Posted by
Snake on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:26:37 AM
I read an article recently that got me thinking and so, from IP315 Ministries, I just wanted to offer this word of encouragement, hope, faith, Truth and Love this CHRISTmas season.
Isn't it interesting that politically and globally speaking that Bethlehem, the manger, shepherds, Mary and Joseph and yes, even Jesus, was barely a blip on the radar! And yet, while Caesar Augustus and the entire Roman Empire were in the process of raising taxes and wielding more and more control over their constituents, something far beyond politics, taxes, censuses and earthly plans was unfolding!
In the little outpost of Bethlehem in the territory of Judea in Palestine tucked away in a stable for animals right there in the animal's feedbox, God came to earth (Immanuel) in our own "injured flesh" (as Chris Rice described it in his song, "Welcome to Our World").
While everyone else was concerned about the ruling leaders, the new census and taxes, the loss of freedoms and on and on, Christ entered the world with a very different agenda. Matter of fact, it was so different that many of those who were even looking for Him were willing to disregard or completely discard all the prophecies that pointed right to Him because it didn't fit what they thought it should have been!
Isn't that just like God - to bring things about it such a strange, but perfect, way that if we aren't seeking Him, but rather seeking things for ourselves, we either miss it or don't like what we see, so we reject it or revise it to fit what we like?!?
In the midst of all that is taking place currently, with perhaps many parallels to what was happening 2 millennia ago at the turning of the calendar from BC to AD to signify what was taking place, we are dealing with leadership and 'change' that will cost us much, including many of our freedoms that most don't even grasp. And yet, right in the midst of all the govt., political, financial, economic, environmental and social upheaval and uncertainty, God is surely, and with great certainty, still at work with the same agenda and plan that He brought about in Bethlehem!
His desire and plan will be carried out and those of us who believe in the Christ child as our Savior and Lord know that it will not be thwarted no matter who sits on the worldly thrones, calls the censuses or shots, raises the taxes or whatever else, all in the name of "for the good of us all"!
Christ came as a baby so you and I could have much greater Love, joy, peace and fulfillment than any earthly leader, 'kingdom', program or system could ever give! No matter what is happening in our world at this time it does not change what God is and always has been doing - redeeming and reconciling the crown of His creation (humanity - US!) back to Himself!
Isaiah 9
To Us a Child Is Born
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death [a]
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
Whatever you do this CHRISTmas, don't be like all those who missed the first CHRISTmas because their focus was totally on this world and all its happenings and plans - they are trivial and temporary compared to the infinite and Eternal plans of God in Christ! Humble yourself and know that God is at work and you are a part of His master plan which is much greater than anything any leader, govt., organization or religion can offer! Christ made sure of that and He wants you to know Him as Savior and Lord so that your life is fulfilled! CHRISTmas is a sure sign of His plan and Love for you and me being carried out even today no matter what else may be taking place - sounds a lot like Bethlehem at the turning of the calendar, doesn't it?!?
Have a very Merry and Blessed CHRISTmas with family and loved ones in the Lord!
God bless in Christ!