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Monday, December 7, 2009

Rejoice!

Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Psalms 96:2 (New American Standard Bible)

We have come into the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to our celebration of the birth of Christ. This is a festive time and one of good cheer. We celebrate with family dinners, church and office pot lucks, decorating our homes with holiday garland, decorated trees, lights on the house and within, and the giving of gifts. It is not only a time of fun and remembrance but a time to reflect on the meaning of God’s greatest gift to humankind, the gift of His Son.
We ponder just what kind of a Being would give so deeply of Himself to redeem a horribly sinful and rebellious race as we humans. It can bring to us a deep sense of wonder and awe. No other god in any religious belief has done this. Any religious being who has even come close to doing this for us has only sacrificed himself and never risen from the dead in all Power, Authority and Honor as has our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Psalmist writes, “All the gods of the nations are idols” (96:5).

This story is astounding in its notion, rich in its concept and fully stunning in its completion. It is entirely life changing in its power. Jehovah God became a flesh and blood human and walked among us, tasting of life as we know it, experiencing every aspect of dirt, dust, heat, cold, and sorrow from birth to death to triumph from the grave. How perfect is it to have another human being representing our case to the Father over an angel or other spirit being? Astounding doesn’t even begin to explain it. Being 100% God and 100% man He fully understands us.

During this time it is often said “Tis the season to be jolly.” As we consider what God has done for us it is also a season to rejoice. This is indeed tidings of great joy to the entire world. So rejoice; take heart and be glad for this child given to us has become our salvation, bringing us from darkness into glorious light. He has broken all our chains and opened the doors of our prisons and poured out on us the present of God’s love to those who call upon the name of Jesus. It is truly a time of laughter and light for those who believe on Him. Light is sown like seed for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord you righteous ones; And give thanks to His holy name (Psalm 97:2).

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com