Greetings, Loved Ones, on this marvelously blessed Monday morning!
These few days before Christmas give us the opportunity to slow down, pause from the hustle-bustle of shopping, decorating and holiday socializing.
It seems that we are desperate to participate in holiday gatherings as this is now the second holiday season that we are being challenged to social distance because of the coronavirus and its variants. The pandemic has affected the world since early 2020 in ways that no one ever could have imagined. It has devastated social order, taken the lives of well over one million people worldwide, placed unimaginable stress and strain on healthcare systems, impacted personal finances and thrust the global marketplace into disarray. Of course, you’ve been inundated with the statistics and, no doubt, you have your own personal experiences. And we are all so tired and want this pandemic to end!
Well, then, it’s time for some really good news…actually, a reminder of good tidings of great joy! This is the time to turn your attention to GOD’s Word about how much He loves us and wants us to rejoice in His love. After all, the Scriptures proclaim His abundant love is what this season is really all about.
Luke 2:4-14(AMP) – So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was with child. While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.” Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased!”
While you are navigating through this pandemic season, I encourage you to redirect your focus…take your eyes off the things that have you constantly battling one adverse situation after another. Just imagine the heavenly celebration the shepherds had the privilege to experience with their very own eyes. The night sky illuminated…filled with a multitude of angels who, in a breath-taking display, started praising GOD and declaring peace on earth. Imagine having been there and what you witnessed, you could barely comprehend…the most unexpected and joyous heavenly festival of praise…that amazing heavenly choir praising GOD and declaring the birth of the Prince of Peace. Can you imagine that?
Prayer: FATHER GOD, because we submit to being rushed and ushered into the world’s theme of Merry Christmas, we forfeit the joy and peace of celebrating Your love for us. Please forgive us for putting insignificant and temporary things ahead of focusing on Your Son, JESUS. Help us to experience the quiet corridors of Your love in our hearts and the magnificent display of Your peace on earth. In JESUS’ name, we pray and thank You. Amen.
Love Always,
SpreadSonshine! – A Filling Station of Victory Village Ministries
Elder Gloria J. Hunter – Visionary/Steward/Servant in Leadership