BST's Blog

Luke 2...from the message:

"Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him!"

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "let's go over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." The left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. SEEING WAS BELIEVING! They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told.

Later in chapter 2...

Simeon went on to bless Mary, Joseph, and Jesus saying to Mary,
"This child marks both the failure and
the recovery of many in Israel,
A figure misunderstood and contradicted-
the pain of a sword thrust through you-
But the rejection will force honesty,
as God reveals who they really are."

As I read this today, it struck me--Simeon's words are as true for our generation as they were then. The beauty, majesty, servant-like spirit, and calling of Jesus cause our true hearts to be revealed. Do we "adore Him" only, or do we also follow him? Do we proclaim "Joy to the world, the Lord HAS come" only? Or do we also "receive our King"--and all He means, realizing that the Lord is here? Even at his birth, there was foreshadowing of the hard road ahead.

This gift brings with it ultimate healing, complete forgiveness, restoration, Life, and hope. As we fully adore Him and receive our King, let us also let go of all that isn't of Him. His gift of love has caused a revolution in our hearts against the chains and plans of the enemy. In Jesus name we bind all oppression. We bind all addiction. We call on His power to break all strongholds and cause His servant love to be poured out in our hearts and in our world. Grudges can be softened and loosened. Negativity can be replaced with mercy. Marriages in trouble have hope. Lost family members can be treated with love, respect, and mercy--as Jesus has treated us. This gift of love has changed us, changed our world, and changed our way of living forever. We can not live as though we are our own. Jesus came. He really lived and really died. What a wondrous gift of grace!

Tonight and tomorrow as we open our presents and share our love with each other, let's remember how profound the gift of Jesus is in our lives.

Lord, may that gift re-define our lives in 2005!

Blessings to all of you this weekend! Love you guys! BST