The Christmas Story

Well over 2000 years ago, Mary and Joseph, the descendants of King David, set themselves on their way to Bethlehem of Judea for the first census decreed by the Roman Emperor. The trip was exhausting and challenging to say the least as Mary was at the end of her pregnancy.

The months leading up to this trip had been a mixture of surprises, an emotional roller coaster, spiritual amazement, uncertainty and tears of pain because of the gossip of the neighborhood and family members. The quick judging assumptions were condemning…’’What a shame Mary got pregnant before her marriage to Joseph, so sorry that a man who seemed so righteous and fair had failed his and her family.”

Each passing week was a test for Mary's body and soul. Each day that ended Joseph had to deal with the false accusations of something he hadn’t done yet couldn’t really explain.

Joseph had decided not to have any physical relationship with Mary before she gave birth to the child. Mary's womb-her body, was something so untouchable, for in her a child was forming, a baby that would become the Lamb of God who would save people from their sins. The birth of the everlasting King that would forever change humanity. The greatest act of Gods love was “wrapped” inside Mary.

This whole journey was still a mystery. They simply had to trust what God had said and go on. God was doing something so special, so deep and so much greater than their understanding.

With each passing day they knew something very beautiful and powerful was happening but fear and uncertainty was a daily reality while waiting for the divine promise.

What we today celebrate as a beautiful time, for this young couple was the hardest time of their lives. Something so big was about to happen yet something so painful and difficult was taking place in their lives.

The arrival of the Savior couldn’t come fast enough for them. Even so, they relentlessly trusted and believed what God had promised them.

Doing the will of God for them included having to travel a long distance with constant discomfort and uncertainty. Finally they reached Bethlehem. Despite all they had heard from people, they proceeded with one goal; the arrival of the promise of God.

Ultimately, they were divinely rewarded with favor and eventually surrounded with glory.

On the other side of their obedience, came angels, shepherds and wiseman bringing gifts. The entire world has come to celebrate the birth of Christ the Lord!

Today, the number of those who celebrate His birth is countless around the world. Literally millions upon billions celebrate the arrival of Christ and the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

Having to obey God and stay true to His will in hard circumstances is not for the faint hearted but obedience always pays dividends.

Jesus came to stay! Jesus came to live in our hearts forever! Today, whomsoever will come to Jesus and call on His name will be saved and restored!

The market place in Bethlehem of that night had no room for the King but will you make room for the King in your heart? That will be the very best Christmas gift of all.

Jesus of Nazareth was born to be the redeemer of humanity!

‘’For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.’’

2 Corinthians 5:21

‘’In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.’’

Ephesians 1:7

The story of Christmas is the greatest redemption story ever. It is Gods love given to us as a gift. Christ Jesus is the greatest gift of all!

Merry Christmas!

“Good Friday”

Today is ‘’Good Friday’’. Literally billions of people across planet earth will remember and celebrate the death of Jesus Christ our eternal Savior!

Many traditional religious events will take place in every continent across the world. But far more important is what is happening inside our hearts during this time. The death of Christ is far more than an historical religious fact. It marks the day humanity was forever changed and fellowship with God was restored, giving us sinners access to a new and living way.

The Cross changed our eternal condition. Because of the shed blood of Jesus we were made righteous through Christ and are now able to stand before God the Father without condemnation. There is no more need for intermediary ways, people, or sacrifices to reach God. Jesus is the only way to the Father!

Anyone, whom so ever, in any condition is welcome, received, and embraced by the love of God. Now, and because of Jesus; salvation, restoration, healing and peace is a reachable reality. No one can say “I’m so far from God” when the door is wide open to come in and fellowship with Him...He is near! He is with us! The kingdom of God is now!

 Today is the day of the Lord!

Because of Jesus, the Lamb of God, there are absolutely no restrictions, impediments or special religious conditions to be attained in order to enter into His presence.

Jesus invitation is, “Come unto me and I will give you rest”. The blood of Jesus crashed hopelessness and death...when Jesus died and rose again on the third day, death died forever, and we came near.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

 Ephesians 2:13 

Regardless of how we feel about having not yet attained a certain spiritual or religious standard; according to the scripture, we have been reconciled with God because of the Cross.

Once we were enemies, we were running, we were lost, we were blind...but now we see, now we are near and reconciled to the Father of all good gifts because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”

Colossians 1:21-22

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

Romans 5:8-9

The death of Jesus is sufficient for every person. In spite of whatever you have done or where you are in life, Jesus death includes and covers you!

Christ ‘s death was not a convenient favor for some special religious elite...but for All without exceptions!Jesus was given, delivered from Heaven to earth because of us. We have been justified!

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

Romans 4:20-25

Jesus invitation stands today for whom so ever will come:

“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

John 6:37

Some may feel they have not yet attained a level of acceptance before God, or if they even qualify because of where they are and how they feel...Some may wonder” am I part of the elect? can I come?” If you come, you ARE the elect!

Jesus is calling us this very day...Come!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30