Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8 KJV
Sometimes it seems the night has gone on too long. Our strength is no more. We sit in darkness with only our questions. We hear nothing but the Enemy’s boasts of triumph. We wait.
But then, the Father of lights whispers, “The night never lasts. I am your strength. Hold on. I will deliver you!”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:13-19 (KJV)
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:34-35 (KJV)
Life and Death
We are not told if Mary pondered these sayings also. But as a mother, I certainly would have!
Holding a baby in your arms doesn’t bring thoughts of death, but life. However, in reality, we are born to die.
Some may think that to be a grim outlook on Christmas while others may find it liberating.
Think of all the things one might lay aside if one lived as if they were dying. The busyness of our days would definitely slow to a more reasonable pace. Our to-do list would become nonexistent.
And those grudges, misunderstandings, and arguments, well, I’m sure we wouldn’t have the time nor the inclination to “hold” to them any longer.
We would drop the pretense and say what we mean. Hold our loved ones a little tighter. Determine to make a difference in our world. The simple things would become the important things. Yes, life would be different.
In her book, Jesus, Life Coach: Learn From The Best, Laurie Beth Jones tells the story a friend shared with her.
Joe Matthews’ best friend’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and given a short time to live. Joe watched as this couple began living with that knowledge. Near the end, Joe asked the wife how it felt to live each day knowing you were dying. Her answer was, “Joe, what does it feel like to live each day pretending that you are not?”
Celebrate
I love the story of Christmas. It’s the story of life—and death. It’s the reason we celebrate! His life brought hope and His death brought life. I could never repay Him for what He’s done for me. So I will rejoice in His coming and consider His sacrificial love during this season of celebration while wishing everyone I meet a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings
Imagine Jerusalem filled with today’s technology…
This is Mark Jacobs with a special report from downtown Jerusalem in the WDYB studio.
Good evening. With what started as a typical day has rekindled the past firestorm of controversy surrounding the man known as Jesus Christ of Nazareth. For those just now joining us, we’ll start with the story of his birth.
His mother Mary told me the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she conceived, making His birth a scientific wonder. She also said, after losing Him one day, she found Him teaching in the temple.
Nothing miraculous there, until she told me He was twelve-years-old at the time.
After that, I didn’t uncover much about his early life, but I did learn that He left His carpentry job and began ministering to the poor and needy.
Now, this is where it gets interesting, folks.
He was hauled before the leaders accused and crucified. But He didn’t remain in the tomb. People are claiming He is alive. And so, this reporter followed his nose and boy, did I find a story!
I spent days speaking with eyewitnesses as they recounted their experiences with this quiet, unassuming man. I have to caution you, I have never heard anything like it before. I daresay, it will challenge your way of thinking.
One such witness, named Jairus, declared this Jesus raised his twelve-year-old daughter from the dead.
And that’s not all. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, claimed He raised their decaying, stinking brother, Lazarus from the dead, also.
Another witness by the name of Bartimaeus said Jesus, who he called the Son of David, restored his sight.
I continued my research and found another man who told me of a banquet for 5000 in the middle of nowhere. One woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed when she touched the hem of His garment. Can you believe it?
I’m sorry, folks, but I have to smile when I think of the physician’s reaction. Incredible!
Here at WDYB, we are fair and balanced, so, I went to the other side of town and spoke with those who are adamant in their unbelief.
Included in that crowd, were those who called Him a fraud, and a blasphemer. They claimed He didn’t rise from the dead, but His followers stole his body away in the middle of the night.
I returned to my hotel only to meet with two who claimed to have talked with Him while traveling to Emmaus. They reported while they conversed with Him their hearts burned within them.
And that brings us to the story of the hour. When asking where I could find this Jesus, they told me, He had gone away but promised to return soon.
In preparation for His return, certain followers are waiting in an upper room. When I asked what they were waiting for, Simon Peter, apparently the spokesman for the group, said, “ We were commanded to tarry until we receive power from on high. Afterward, we are to carry the Gospel to the far corners of the world.”
Then he shared the Gospel with me. What an amazing story!
So there, you have it, folks. Whether you believe or not, one thing is undeniable. This man called Jesus has turned the world, as we know it, upside down. And I expect years from now, there will still be debates about Him.
But as for me, I began this journey for answers. And I have concluded, I cannot deny the testimony of those who experienced first hand this man called Jesus of Nazareth. Truly, He is the Son of God.
So I will leave it with you.
This is Mark Jacobs in Jerusalem, signing off for WDYB. What do you believe?
Good night.
