Time of Gladness

Christmas is only a few days away. Have you completed your shopping? Well, I haven’t begun and it’s not a surprise to me. When I’m not careful by not allowing my mind to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, I’ll quickly be drawn into the secular attitude of this amazing Holy-day. The stress, irritability, rushing, shopping, creating a financial strain, and not focusing on the true purpose for Christmas will suck the joy right out of me. (It has in the past.) For the past few years Christmas has not been a holiday I favored. Can you believe that? A Christian not enjoying Christmas? Yes, I was that Christian, when I allow the world’s mindset of Christmas to distract me. I stress out about finding (and buying) that perfect gift. I spend what I don’t have on stuff that will eventually lose its value and sentiment after the holidays are over.

VIDEO: I NEED A SILENT NIGHT

Instead of allowing the spotlight to be on the real gift, which is Jesus, I get caught up in purchasing gifts that will never ever compare or measure up to my Savior. Yes, I would allow the pressure of getting and giving to pull the joy, laughter, and peace right out of my heart.

So, what does Christmas mean to you? To the Believer, Christmas signifies victory over every situation. Christmas is a joyous and wonderful time to rejoice and give glory to God for what He has done. It represents redemption to the loss, liberation to the captives and prisoners of sin, and freedom to the oppressed. Christmas means God has kept His promise of giving us a Savior, and it brings good news to all. And the birth of the Savior provided a bridge to take us on a new journey, a new path, and give us a new life.

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. ” (‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭18-19‬ NLT)

Not only is Christmas a time of gladness, but on the other hand, Christmas brought judgment, and condemnation to Satan. The birth of Jesus gave Satan his notice, sealing his fate. On Christmas Day, the prophecy in Genesis was fulfilled. Satan would be crushed.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ NIV)

That first Christmas was a big slap in Satan’s face reminding him that his time was running out. No longer could his slick words and slithering advances be the web that traps us. We have been given the power through Jesus Christ to not adhere to his lies nor fall for his wicked plots to twist up scripture (Luke 4:1-13). The first Christmas initiated such a beautiful time to reflect, with a grateful heart, the incredible gift of salvation God gave us by way of a innocent babe in a manger (Luke 2). Tis the season to be jolly! Why? For unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given (Is. 9:6). We have peace on earth because Emmanuel has come (Is. 7:14).

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ NLT)

My sister, I want to be filled with so much of the Savior’s love and joy (not only this season but every day) that it spills over and causes a lost soul to want to know the true reason we celebrate Christmas. May all of us be awestruck by the joy, peace, grace, and favor God has given to all through the brilliant gift and sacrifice of our sweet Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas, my sister!

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. (Luke 2:10-11, HCSB)

SCRIPTURE FOR MEDITATION

#devotional #christmas #walkinginfreedom #encouragement #holidays

Time of Gladness

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