Family Gifts: Heritage & Inheritance

Family Gifts: Heritage & Inheritance

“And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli …

the son of Nathan, which was the son of David …

which was the son of Juda, Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham …

Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam,

which was the son of God.”

(from Luke 3:23-38,KJV)

A few Christmases ago our children gifted their dad with an ancestry program. It proved to be an interesting study and is still evolving with a few surprises. Although our personal genealogies can be fascinating, very few people find the long lists of descendants found in scripture a must read—unless they’re trying to fall asleep.

The family listing of Jesus found in Luke’s gospel should peak the interest of all who are the born again children of God—it’s our family line. It doesn’t matter whether born Jew or Gentile. This list is our spiritual heritage.

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus …

And if ye be Christ’s,

then are ye Abraham’s seed,

and heirs according to the promise.”

Galatians 3:26,29, KJV

Being spiritually born into the family of God by his grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we have a new standing. We are heirs to the kingdom of God according to the promise the Lord God made to Abraham.

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant,

• but a son:
• and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ …
• And if children, then heirs;
• heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.”

Galatians 4:7; Romans 8:17,  KJV

With this new heritage we have received a new identity with a new purpose.

• “But ye are a chosen generation,
• a royal priesthood,
• an holy nation,
• a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises of him

• who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
• Which in time past were not a people,
• but are now the people of God:
• which had not obtained mercy,
• but now have obtained mercy.” 1Peter 2:9-10, KJV

The marred image of Adam, our first father, has been replaced with the image of Jesus Christ to reflect again the image of God we were created to bear.

“For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

• to be conformed to the image of his Son,
• that he might be the firstborn among many brethren …

Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Romans 8:29, Philippians 1:6, KJV

And when the day of Jesus Christ comes our heritage has the promise of an inheritance.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so, I would have told you.

• I go to prepare a place for you.
• And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
• that where I am, there ye may be also …

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,

• Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
• and he will dwell with them,
• and they shall be his people,
• and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
• And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
• and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
• for the former things are passed away …

And he said unto me

It is done.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

I will give unto him that is athirst

of the fountain of the water of life freely.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things,

and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:3-4, 6-7, KJV.

My physical heritage isn’t made up of the rich and famous according to worldly standards. But it is rich in ancestors who have passed on the value of having an eternal heritage that includes an eternal inheritance. What heritage and inheritance do you hope to leave the next generation?

Advertisement

The Gift of Family

The Gift of Family

“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven,

the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

Matthew 12:50, KJV

The last Christmas my dad spent on the earth, his most precious gift was to have his family with him. He wasn’t sick, and didn’t know this would be our last time to celebrate Christ’s birth together, but family was important to him. If I remember correctly, we all did make it, including our extended family.

Family isn’t always defined by a shared bloodline. It is defined by—

• a love that transcends the physical connections,
• persevering through trials that would divide,
• sharing joys and sorrows.

Those who belong to Christ enjoy the privilege of having two families—an earthly one and a spiritual one.

The earthly family is a temporary institution ordained by God from the beginning. He handpicked the family He placed his Son, Jesus in. The earthly is meant to reflect the eternal family of our heavenly Father. The eternal family consists of those whom Jesus says are his brothers, sisters, and mothers. We have experienced not only a physical birth but a spiritual birth into the family of God.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry,

Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:”

Romans 8:14-16, KJV

“WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM,

AND BE YE SEPARATE, saith the Lord,

AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING;

AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU.

AND WILL BE A FATHER UNTO YOU,

AND YE SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS,

saith the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 6:17-18, KJV

Every person is connected to someone by blood. That makes us related but not necessarily family. Jesus has made it possible to be united to God, our heavenly Father, by the giving of his flesh and blood. He has made us related and family.

“Then Jesus said unto them …

Whoso eateth my flesh, and driketh my blood,

hath eternal life;

and I will raise him up at the last day …

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,

dwelleth in me, and I in him.

As the living Father hath sent me,

and I live by the Father:

so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.”

John 6:53a,54,56-57, KJV

The Father prepared for Jesus a body of flesh and blood uniting himself with his creation. Jesus gave his flesh to the Roman’s whip taking with that whipping our weakness and giving us his strength. Where once we were bound to sin’s weakness, Jesus gave us the power, his power, to refuse sin’s hold on us. He didn’t stop there, but went the whole journey to the cross, giving his blood to take our punishment for sin. In dying, his blood cleansed our spirit making us acceptable to the Father. Through his resurrection, we are guaranteed everlasting life with him.

Jesus unites those who receive him to the Father through his giving of his flesh, blood, and after his ascension, his Spirit.

“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s …

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed

us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ …

To the praise of the glory of his grace,

wherein

he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

1 Corinthians 3:23, Ephesians 1:3,6, KJV

I am thankful for the family I was born into. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but I knew I was loved. I am thankful for the family(even in all our craziness!) the Lord has blessed me and my husband with. More importantly, I am thankful my family, then and now, has known the heavenly Father as head of our family.

You may or may not be blessed with a family united by love and care for one another, but you can be through receiving the family Jesus Christ offers you. Without him, your family isn’t complete. With him you become a part of a very large family, still being perfected, but joined by the love of our heavenly Father forever.

---

How do you define family? Do you belong to the eternal family of God?

The Greatest of These

The Greatest of These

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three;

but the greatest of these is love.”

 1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJ

“For God so loved the world …

“God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us … 

All we like sheep have gone astray,

we have turned every one to his own way; 

and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Romans 5:8; Isaiah 53:6, KJV

that he gave his only begotten Son …

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest overshadow thee:

therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee

shall be called the Son of God … Luke 1:35

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:22

picture courtesy of Pintrest

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost …

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him,

watching Jesus,

saw the earthquake, and those things that were done,

they feared greatly, saying,

Truly this was the Son of God … “

Matthew 27:50, 54

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life …

“And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord ,,, 

“For the Son of man is come

to seek and to save that which was lost …

 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.”

Luke 2:11; 19:10; John 3:17

And the greatest of these is love—

“Behold, what manner of love

the Father hath bestowed upon us,

that we should be called the sons of God … 

But as many as received him,

to them gave he power to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.”

1John 3:1,a; John 1:12-13

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

We love him, because he first loved us …

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do .”

1 John 4:18-19; Luke 23:34,a

May you and yours know the Christ who loves you, gave himself for you, and desires to dwell in your hearts. May you think again on this old, old story of Christ’s love and have renewed knowledge in the depth, height, length and width of his incomprehensible love for you, and be filled with all the fulness of God.*

May the gifts of faith, hope, and love fill you hearts and minds this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

Merry Christmas from Our House to Yours

---

*(My paraphrase from Ephesians 3:17-19)

The Gift of Peace Wrapped in Hope

The Gift of Peace Wrapped in Hope

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.”

Luke 2: 14, KJV

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11, KJV

When reading through the whole narrative of Christ’s birth, the human eye would not instantly put peace and good will as a theme. Israel had a growing rebellion against an enemy they couldn’t defeat. Zacharias struggled with disbelief. Joseph wrestled with the news of his betrothed wife’s pregnancy. Shortly, after Jesus’s birth, Simeon prophesied to Mary of a sword to pierce her soul. Upon hearing the news of a king being born in Israel, King Herod ordered all the baby boys two years and under, in Bethlehem and the surrounding area, killed, causing a cry of mourning to rise to the heavens.

Yet, the angels’ message rang out, “peace, good will toward men.” This peace would not be found in the world, but in one infant, who later said,

“Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you:

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid …

 These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27;16:33, KJV

Our world today is as full of trouble as the world was when Jesus was born, but we can still have peace. It is found when we hold to the gift of hope born over two thousand years ago. Hope and peace are tied to one another.

It appeared hope died on a cruel cross at the hand of sinful men. In truth, hope only rested until it tore open a stone tomb. In that moment, hope resurrected to reveal the path to peace with God and life forever with him.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead,

and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death,

by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die,

even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

1 Corinthians 15:20-22, KJV

In his resurrection, Jesus Christ made good on the hope of peace with God. For those who believe, we have God’s peace and good will toward us.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:1-2, KJV

The gifts of hope, peace, and God’s good will toward us all abound today even as they did when our Savior was born. When our focus is on the world and its chaos, those gifts are veiled from our eyes. By fixing our eyes on the hope born in a stable we receive God’s peace and good will. We find rest even in a troubled world.

“I have set the LORD always before me:

because he is at my right hand,

I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad,

and my glory rejoiceth:

my flesh also shall rest in hope.”

Psalm 16: 8-9, KJV

Jesus before us is—

our strength,

our anchor,

our glory,

our joy,

our rest,

our hope.

How will you find peace in this season of hope?

A Writer’s Prayer: Light

A Writer’s Prayer: Light

Nine months passed before a silent Zacharias. His silence testified to the truth of the angel’s message—he made known to Elisabeth through writing or signing. The Lord confirmed the message as her womb grew with child. When Elisabeth’s time was complete, Zacharias’s time of silence ended with the naming of the child, John.

“And his mouth was opened immediately,

and his tongue loosed,

and he spake, and praised God …

and prophesied …”

Luke 1:64, 67b; KJV

Zacharias spoke to the hope of Israel first. Then he spoke concerning his son and the prophet coming to usher in Israel’s hope, as well as, the hope of all the world—all who sat in darkness.

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest:

for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people

by the remission of their sins,

To give light to them that sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

(1:76-79)

When grown, John followed his calling from God.

“The same came for a witness,

to bear witness of the Light,

that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light,

but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”

John 1:7-8, KJV

When the Light came into the world light accompanied his appearing. A star shone in the night sky showing the wisemen the way to travel. Angels came to the shepherds wrapped in the light of the glory of the Lord. In his days of ministry—

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”

John 8:12, KJV

The followers of Christ have this light of life dwelling in us, and he has commissioned us to—

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16, KJV

We as Christian authors have been given a like work as John. Don’t get me wrong, I am not comparing us to John the Baptizer, except to say we have a calling on our lives, as do all believers. We have the privilege—

• to impart knowledge of salvation by the true Light;
• to offer the hope of forgiveness of sin;
• to bring light to those who sit in darkness;
• to lead others in the way of peace;
• to bear witness to the Light through our writing.

A Writer’s Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

our Father of lights, you have given us an awesome privilege and responsibility. May our witness, through writing, guide others to the true Light that gives life and hope to those still in darkness. May our words and our lives speak of you in truth and love, showing the path to salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Light. May you be glorified in all we write, bearing fruit to your kingdom. Thank you, for bringing your Light to us. In Jesus’s name we pray and give thanksgiving. Amen.

---

As Christmas approaches I enjoy the many light displays blinking their message of life, hope, and peace. What other symbol or activity of Christmas brings light to your life?

The Gifts of Grace, Favor, & Faith

picture courtesy of unsplash.com, taken by Trevor Cole

Far from the commonly traveled paths of merchants and their camels packed with wares, sat Nazareth nestled between green hills salted with white stones. *One young lady in the small village caught the attention of the Lord. Mary busily prepared for the day she and Joseph would fulfill their engagement vows. Yet, her mind wandered to the promise of Messiah. Could she begin to hope the Lord would choose her to be the mother of Messiah?

Mary shook her head. Everybody knows nothing good comes from Nazareth.

What was that? Mary turned. Her heart threatened to jump out of her chest. Who was this—man? What did he want? She looked for a way of escape. None. And no one was near to hear her screams should she need help. Mary did the only thing she knew to do and bowed on her knees with her face to the dirt floor.

The man entered the house. “I am Gabriel, an angel of the Lord. The Lord gives you great favor. Rejoice for the Lord is with you. You are blessed among all women.”

Mary raised her head. This is the strangest greeting I’ve ever heard. I don’t understand.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid …”

Then Gabriel proceeded to tell Mary she would give birth to the Messiah through the power of God. When the message was completed—

“Mary said,

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.”

With this gift of all gifts, Mary received faith to trust the Lord would do what was said. She didn’t understand where this road would take her, nor how it would come to be. Mary did know and was completely convinced God’s word to be true.

Like Mary, we each are given a measure of faith—first to believe we have a need for a Savior. Then enough faith to receive Jesus as the one sent to be our Savior. A wonderful relationship with the Father begins here—with his gift of faith given in measure to exercise faith in the other gifts he gives for his glory.

“For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.”

Romans 12:3, KJV

The Lord poured out his grace upon Mary. Upon hearing the word of the Lord, her mind and heart could have filled with thoughts of self-importance. Scripture shows this did not happen. She had done nothing to deserve being the mother of the Son of God. God the Father chose her for this once-in-the-world event. That’s his grace. He imparted to her the gift of faith to fulfill the work.

None of us will ever receive this measure of faith—for that work is done. But the Lord has given to each of us first that measure of faith to be saved. When we act upon that gift, the measure of the gift is increased to perform the work of ministry the Lord has ordained for each of his children.

Wrapped inside faith’s package are the gifts of strength and obedience to surrender to the word and work of the Lord, even as Mary surrendered and Paul wrote about.

“And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV

Faith is convinced the power of Christ in us is our strength to obey his word and perform the work. Faith knows and is convinced God—

“is able to do exceeding abundantly above

all that we ask or think,

according to the power that worketh in us …”

For thereby—

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus

throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Ephesians 3: 20,21, KJV

God chose Mary to carry his glory within her and reflect it to others. We, too, have been chosen to house the glory of God in us, in the person of the Holy Spirit, to reflect his glory to the world. We are highly favored.

---

*Taken from Luke 1 where you can find the actual account.

For a more detailed account of this part of Mary’s life check out :

https://rjdawson.com/2022/12/16/mary-highly-favored-blessed-are-you-among-women-

 

Gifts Within a Gift

A Gift Inside the Gift

“But while he thought on these things,

behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him

in a dream, saying,

Joseph, thou son of David,

fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:

for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

Matthew 1:20, KJV

Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels.com

My husband handed me a beautifully wrapped box—the size a pair of winter dress boots could be hidden in—and yes, Tom knew how to tie up a present in style. A twinkle in his eyes and a simple smile told me he was pleased with his purchase.

Maybe it wasn’t the boots I had wanted but something more?

Nope. With the last of the paper ripped off, I opened the box revealing the exact pair of boots I had shown him and in the right size. I gave him a big hug and gushed my thank you’s on him. That’s when his smile grew larger.  

“You might want to try them on,” he said.

“Okay.” I slipped on the left one, then grabbed the right boot. I shoved it over my foot, but—frowned and pulled it off. “There’s something in there,” I said reaching deep into the toe. I pulled out a small gift. “What’s this?”

“Open it.”

Inside the large gift Tom had hidden his surprise—a little black velvet box with an engagement ring inside. My squeal rang through our house as tears filled my eyes. Over twenty years had passed since Tom asked me to be his wife. There hadn’t been enough money for an engagement ring—only two matching bands and a declaration of committed love.

The teen girls in our youth group had given Tom the idea. As I thought on what gift our Father prepared for us in the giving of his Son, I remembered the surprise of finding a gift inside the gift, and knew what gift to highlight.

When Jesus, the Son of God, conceived of the Holy Ghost, came into the world, Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes. Within this tiny package of human flesh dwelt another gift to be given after the Son’s death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father.

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

John 14:16,17, KJV

The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by those who—

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you

in the name of Jesus Christ

for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you,

and to your children, and to all that are afar off,

even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

Acts 2:38-39, KJV

And within this Gift, many other gifts dwell.

“But ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you …

Thus I say then, Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh …

But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,

goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance …”

Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:16; 22-23, KJV

• Power to witness;
• Power over the flesh;
• love,
  • joy,
    • peace,
      • longsuffering,
        • gentleness,
          • goodness,
            • faith,
              • meekness,
                • and temperance.

This list is in no way complete for we are told—

“Now there are diversities of gifts,

but the same Spirit …

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given

to every man to profit withal.

• For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom,
• to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
• To another faith by the same Spirit;
• to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
• To another the working of miracles;
• to another prophecy;
• to another discerning of the spirits;
• to another divers kinds of tongues;
• to another the interpretation of tongues:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,

dividing to every man severally as he will.”

1 Corinthians 12:4,7-11, KJV

Only our heavenly Father could contain so many gifts within the gift of one small Child who said—

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;”

***

“Bless the LORD, O my soul:

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name …

and forget not all his benefits:”

Psalm 103: 1, 2b, KJV

As we celebrate Christmas, may we remember to celebrate the Son of the Highest and give him thanks.

The Value of a Gift

The Value of a Gift

Photo by Deena on Pexels.com

With Christmas time upon us, our minds turn to finding the perfect gift. What makes a gift perfect? What gives it value? Its cost? Its quality? Its fit to our personality, need, or want? Is it the gift someone labored to make? Or could it be all of the above?

Christmas challenges us to remember the many gifts our heavenly Father has given to us—wrapped in the flesh and blood of his Son.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise took part of the same;

that through death he might destroy

him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”

Hebrews 2:14; KJV

The Gift—The Father’s love embodied in his Son,

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins …

Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Matthew 1:21; John 15:13, KJV

Jesus opened the gift of God’s love and salvation when, clothed in weakness, he hung on a cross—the first Christmas tree.

What did Jesus’s gift of salvation cost? His flesh, blood, and more—

His Flesh:

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven:

if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:

and the bread that I will give is my flesh,

which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 6:51, KJV

His Blood:

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves,

but by his own blood

he entered in once into the holy place,

having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

Hebrews 9:12, KJV

His Exalted Place as King to become a Servant for a time:

“But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”

Philippians 2:7,8, KJV

What gives this gift value?

All of the above. There is no greater cost than the life of another. The gift given is one of a kind—perfect in every way. The work of salvation cost our Lord great agony and death. It fits our need to be reconciled to the Father.

Why and how was it accomplished?

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet saying,

BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD,

AND SHALL BRING FORTH A SON,

AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME EMMANUEL,

which being interpreted is,

God with us …

I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live; yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me, and gave himself for me …

By the which will we are sanctified

through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Matthew 1:22-23; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 10:10, KJV

Yes, this gift fits our every need perfectly. For this gift has brought the Father to us and us to the Father. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Have you received your gift? 

 

When?

When?

“Seventy weeks are determined

upon thy people and upon thy holy city,

to finish the transgression,

and to make and end of sins

and to make reconciliation for iniquity,

and to bring in everlasting righteousness …

Know therefore and understand,

that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem

unto the Messiah the Prince

shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks …”

Daniel 9: 24a, 25a, KJV

“When will it get here, Mama?” The six-year-old, toothless, girl turned begging eyes on the one she believed could make her dreams come true, especially at Christmas time.

Mama smiled and reached for something on the top book shelf. “It’s here, Daisy. Circle what things you want,” she said, handing the Sears and Roebuck Christmas Catalogue to her daughter.

Daisy jumped up and down, her twin blonde ponytails swinging, as she cradled the catalogue to her chest. She curled up on the couch with a red crayon and began her search.

The year long wait for Christmas drags by for children as an endless length of time. It’s always tomorrow. But then it’s December and the advent calendars mark the days. The anticipation builds and erupts in cheers on Christmas morning. For those waiting for the first advent of Messiah—the first Christmas, if you will—four hundred years plus after Daniel’s words multitudes waited for a promise for tomorrow.

Daniel’s prophecy saw the rise and fall of nations and peoples—and four hundred years of silence from the Lord God. Under Roman rule, Israel hungered for their Prince, the one Isaiah spoke of before Daniel’s revelation.

“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, KJV

Where was he? When would Messiah come?

“But when the fulness of the time was come,

God sent forth his Son,

made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law,

that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

Galatians 3:4-5, KJV

The Son came the first time at the right time, God’s time. He came as a baby to grow and live in human flesh, to die for our sin that we might become sons and daughters of the Father. The handful of people who waited for his first advent were blessed to recognize his coming. Their anticipation reaped reward.

As we anticipate celebrating the Lord’s first advent, we watch and wait in anticipation of his second advent—where the Lord Jesus will reign over all the earth in righteousness and peace. Our expectation grows as the world drifts farther away from the kingdom to come. But as the Prince came the first time, we know God is faithful, and he will come as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

“And, behold, I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.”

Revelation 22:12-13, KJV

Many grow weary in the waiting, love for the Lord grows cold, and hope grows dim. But for those anticipating the second advent, there is reward. So we—

“have need of patience,

that after ye have done the will of God,

ye might receive the promise.

FOR YET A LITTLE WHILE,

AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME,

AND WILL NOT TARRY.”

Hebrews 10:36-37, KJV.

Until the fulness of time comes a second time, there is a gathering of souls waiting to be harvested—

“but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9: 37b, 38, KJV

Unless the Lord comes for his people before then, Christmas will be celebrated in a few weeks. And as surely as the Lord came the first time, he will come a second—not in reference to sin, but as the victor over sin and death.

Are you watching, waiting, and working in anticipation of the Lord’s second advent? The fulfillment of Christmas is coming.

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, good will toward men.” 

Luke 2:14, KJV

Celebrating Christmas All Year

Celebrating Christmas All Year: Jesus is Christmas

“Finally brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace;

and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”

2 Corinthians 13:11, NASB

Our Prayer:

and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Heavenly Father, May each who read this know the fulness of your love come to us in the flesh on the day Jesus came to the earth—

“For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only begotten Son …”

John 3:16;

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,

• to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man;
• so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
• and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
• may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
• and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
• that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

May each heart receive your gift of peace—

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ …

• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
• And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:6,7

May each know you are with us now and forever—

‘“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD,

AND SHALL BEAR A SON,

AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,’

which translated means,

‘God with us …

And I will ask the Father,

and He will give you another Helper,

that He may be with you forever;

that is the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive,

because it does not behold Him or know Him,

but you know Him because He abides with you,

and will be in you.

I will not leave you as orphans;

I will come to you …

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of

the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;

and lo,

I am with you always,

even to the end of the age …

I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again, and receive you to Myself;

that where I am, there you may be also—

(Matthew 1:23; John 14:16-18; Matthew 28:19,20 John 14:2,3;)

“FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,

HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME,

AND WILL NOT DELAY …

“‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus.’”

Hebrews 10:37; Revelation 22:20

Until then, heavenly Father, may—

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

Revelation 22:21

---

All scriptures taken from the NASB translation