John 3:14-18 (THE MESSAGE)
“No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.”
That was His message all along – and continues to be.
Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
The picture above is of somewhere between the border of Canada and The United States of America. And No! I was not driving and snapping! (laughs)
The original picture was cropped. It should actually say “I Love NY”
I love this picture because it depicts what we are all searching for (if we are honest) – this thing called “LOVE”…
So we seek it in various things – money, relationships, parents, children, pets, work, service, etc. These are all good things.
However…
The truth of the matter is this – there will still be a void. This void was left on purpose and cannot be filled with any of the things we are chasing. It can only be filled by God.
The Good News – God sent His one and only Son and wants us to believe and trust Him.
I believe Him! I accept Him! I proclaim it!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (King James Version)
So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, may we be reminded of the real reason for the season – our one TRUE LOVE (Christ) and what He represents.
O Holy Night
“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.”
Songwriters: Adolphe Charles Adam, Ivan Black
Merry Christmas 2020!
Be well…
The best is yet to come…
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