YES P's
- bcorley8
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
SCRIPTURE: “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 1:21-23
Merry Christmas Eve Eve!
Here’s a thought. Do you ever think about why we celebrate Christmas and New Year's eves, but not Easter or Valentine's eves? Here's a bit of information for you to nibble on.
“In the early centuries of Christianity, the precise date of Jesus’ birth was not universally agreed upon. It was only in the 4th century that December 25th began to be widely recognized as the date to commemorate the Nativity. This choice was influenced by various factors, including the winter solstice and existing pagan festivals. I see in this a powerful human need to find light in the darkest times, a metaphor for the spiritual illumination brought by Christ.
The evening before Christmas, what we now call Christmas Eve, naturally became a time of anticipation and preparation. In the Jewish tradition from which Christianity emerged, days were considered to begin at sunset. Thus, the celebration of Christmas would have begun on the evening of December 24th. This vigil gradually evolved into a distinct observance.
By the Middle Ages, Christmas Eve had become an integral part of the Christmas celebration. It was a time of fasting and spiritual preparation, much like the vigils before other major feast days. The faithful would attend Mass, often at midnight, symbolizing the dark of night into which Christ, the Light of the World, was born.” [i]
I'm glad that many years ago, someone made the day before Christmas special, and it's now a part of our holiday.
Where will Christmas Eve find you? Will you be in church singing praises and lighting candles? Or at home frantically working on the last-minute preparations? Perhaps with family enjoying a time of merriment? Or in your pjs watching your favorite Christmas Movie? Wherever you are, I pray it’s a time of peace and tranquility (even amid the chaos). Why? Because God sent His Son, Jesus, named Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US.
HIS PRESENCE IS OUR PRESENT
God, in the form of human flesh, stepped out of heaven into our lives. With His presence, we are given:
His Protection – “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” - Exodus 14:14
His Provision – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19
His Power – “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” - Zechariah 4:6
His Purpose – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
His Promises – “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” – Luke 1:45 NIV
His Pardon – “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” – 1 John 2:12
His Peace – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
His Praise – “Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.” – Psalm 71:8
His Prosperity – “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:3
His PRESENCE - “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5
God loved us so much that He made a way for us to spend eternity with Him. Have you received the greatest gift of all? His Son, Jesus? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Give your busy mind a rest today while baking cookies, wrapping gifts, and doing the other zillion things you have to do. Keep your mind on God. Purpose: awareness of His presence and rest in His unconditional, everlasting love for you.
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