Friday Morning Prayer:)… December 17, 2020
December 18, 2020 - 7 minutes readCome, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
True God of true God, Light from Light eternal
Humbly, He enters the virgin’s womb
Son of the Father, begotten, not created[1]
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word….”[2]
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What comes to your mind first when Christmas is referenced? You know and I do too that this day of rejoicing, celebration, awe, greatness, majesty, etc. has many distractions that pull our minds and affections away from the true and meaningful life-changing glory of God. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the birth of Jesus has brought saving grace and truth that supernaturally softens the hardened heart, humbles the hostile mind, and reconciles you, me, and all who truly believe to God.
When I think of Christmas I think of Jesus as God-man. The mystery of Jesus being fully God and fully man is amazing, comforting, and good reason to adore him! Yes, we come faithfully, joyfully, and triumphantly. Why? Christ’s love compels us to love him and others because we are convinced that one died for all, and you, me, and all those redeemed through the blood of the Lamb, die daily to our old sinful selfish life, especially as we actively abide with God reflected in a new-born-from-above life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”[3] We celebrate the birth of Jesus in light of his death, burial, resurrection, and rejoice in his abiding empowering very real presence.
A brother at group tonight said, “his birth made the way for our new birth.” Yes! Jesus has always been the Messiah, present and promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New. The seraphs calling to one another at the throne of God (In light of the New Testament revelation, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), high and exalted is our Messiah! “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”[4] We celebrate with rejoicing and songs of praise because Jesus is “…Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”[5]
I pray your Christmas will be full of rejoicing and supernatural empowering to effectively live-out this great salvation we share. Because of Jesus—his birth, death, resurrection, and his forever presence, we have a Savior that enjoys our fellowship and calls us to pursue to enjoy him with increasing measure every day. May God help you and me too to resist the commercialism, materialism, and all the humanness of the Christmas tradition. Help us Lord to focus on the Majesty, and adore you at every turn. With the Psalmist, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.”[6] Be encouraged that our living faith reflects the following and much more as we humbly surrender and rely on his indwelling power:
• Living and dynamic—an ever transforming life by the renewing of your mind
• A close relationship vibrant, correcting, and comforting
• A life-changing supernatural reality for all who truly believe/trust Jesus as Lord and Savior
• My sins and yours too are forgiven and remembered no more at the cross of Christ
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
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Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist Church. 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine, 0900
You are invited to join sisters in Jesus for a time of encouragement and prayer. A sweet hour of prayer that matters and a necessary help as we journey together. Thank you, sisters.
Brothers are meeting too! Mt. View Bible. 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine, 0730
You are welcome and missed if you haven’t been. Heck, I miss you between Fridays! It is a joy and strength when brothers gather to encourage one another and pray together as the Spirit leads. Yes! Join us if your schedule allows.
[1] https://youtu.be/wKM3DwHlQl0?t=3
https://fbccarson.org/ocomeallyefaithful
[2] Hebrews 1:3a
[3] 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
[4] Isaiah 6:1-3
[5] Ibid 9:6-7
[6] Psalm 95:1
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