Halleluiah! Joy!

December 25

Merry Christmas!

All around us we see evidence of the reality that we live in a fallen world. Man’s inhumanity to man, subtle in some parts of the planet, is blatant in other quarters where ruthless, demon-possessed men torture and mutilate and murder their brothers who, like them, are fashioned in the likeness of God and made for sweet fellowship with Him.

Everywhere our eyes behold the rich and powerful as they impose their unjust laws and burdensome rule upon their fellow sojourners on planet Earth. It continues as it has been since Cain killed Able. In spite of all our great strides in learning and technology since the first family dwelt in this place, the spirit of man has not changed from the selfish, godless mindset of Cain who slew his brother.

Yet, we know that the celebration of the arrival of the Second Person of the Trinity into our sphere and the joy of His resurrection as He returned to the realm of glory were separated by a life set apart, by a life that was unique among men, because it was lived in the righteousness and holiness that all men were created to live.

What seemed to begin in a stable while his mother was complying with a Roman census requirement—“While they were there, the time came for her to be delivered and she brought forth her firstborn Son” Luke 2:6-7—was actually planned in the corridors of Heaven before time began (Revelation 13:8).

Because Jesus came in the fullness of time, we have the opportunity to receive the gift of salvation He came to bestow upon us. We who abide in this Vale of Tears, we who endure disease and death, we who are oppressed by men who know Him not, we who abide in sorrow because of the ruthless tyranny of the enemy of our souls, KNOW beyond the shadow of doubting that in the fullness of time JESUS WILL COME AGAIN as it was promised in Acts 1:11!­­­­

Because His Word is true and His promises are sure, we may sing redounding hallelujahs to His glory even as we wait where evil surrounds us. We may anticipate the joy of His complete triumph over death! We may rejoice in the fact that the Babe of Bethlehem grew to be the Savior who set men free from sin and the grave!

We may rejoice that evil in all its manifestations will be cast into the lake of fire, for JESUS is the King of kings and Lord of lords! For all this and for the promise that we who believe shall dwell with Him eternally, we stand in His strength in the face of all evil.

O, helpless Babe in a manger, we know You are "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," Isaiah 9:6. We know Your Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts; we know that as you came as a humble servant the first time, You will come again as the conquering King who will reign forever! HALLELUIAH! JOY!