The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace – a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies -
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new.
You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields,
But you'll have the title "Priests of God," honored as ministers of our God.
You'll feast on the bounty of nations, you'll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.
– Isaiah 61:1-7 (The Message)
Here we are, right between Christmas and New Year's. Some folks have put away the Christmas stuff, some folks are still holding onto Christmas and many (if not all) of us are hoping a praying for a better new year, for we really need a year of God's grace.
In this "in between" time, between the joy and excitement of Christmas the anticipation and hope for a better new year, the words that Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah speak to our hearts. The promises speak to us even as they did to Israel in Isaiah's and Jesus' time. But there is responsibility in the promises also. Not only will be be comforted and rejoice, but we will be priests and ministers of our God. Our troubles and sorrows will be replace with blessings and joy but I believe that we will be instruments of God to comfort and bless others also.
May you be blessed in 2011. May you see the promises of God for you and may you find the paths to bless and comfort others around you.
Be well,
Steve
December 25, 2010 – Christmas Day
Usually one thinks of New Year's as the time for new beginnings but I want you to think of today as a time of new beginnings. Jesus came to make a new covenant with us and to make us new before God. I think that's the best gift of all. Think of all the gifts that you have been given (think hard, there are many that you may have forgotten). Whatever your problems or trials, you are still loved and blessed – I can say that after all that we have been through this year. I pray for you and yours a merry Christmas and a very happy new year.
What will you do now as you begin living again?
Father, renew us, refresh us! Let the Light of Christmas and of Jesus shine into our lives and let us feel the Presence of You Spirit as we begin life in a new way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
December 24, 2010 – Christmas Eve: Fulfillment
Scripture: Luke 2: 25-32
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Devotion:
Do you still anticipate Christmas? I just saw a picture on Facebook of a friend's grand-daughter who is so excited that she got up early TODAY. But what happens when the waiting becomes to long. Simeon and Anna, and in fact all of Israel, had waited a long time – nearly a whole lifetime (and I get antsy about waiting on God's promises for just one day!).
Jesus is the Fulfillment of all of God's promises. Every gift I have written about is found most fully in the person Jesus and in His being our Savior, King, and Priest. Most of the Christmas movies point to some part of our lives where we are missing something – a "God-shaped hole" I have heard it called. Jesus fills that need (and most of the movies don't tell you that).
Yes, I still anticipate Christmas – it reminds of the One who came and is coming again. He will fulfill all His promises.
What are you anticipating or waiting for this Christmas? Will you find it?
Father, the time is coming very soon for Christmas Day. We celebrate the coming of Your Son and we wait with anxious hearts for Him to come again. I pray that everyone can know the fulfillment that Jesus brings. In the Name of the Messiah, Jesus. Amen.
