When Christmas isn't Merry
For many this year has made for a not so Merry Christmas.
Sadness can be heavier at a time known for tradition, and difficulty an even more unwelcome guest at a time meant for celebration.
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 NKJV - (Messiah and Master)
The first Christmas was probably lacking in merry for Mary.
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:16-19 NLT
The most important thing to remember at Christmas is the much needed and anticipated birth of our Savior and Lord.
GOD looked and saw evil looming on the horizon, so much evil and no sign of Justice. There was no one to correct this awful situation. So he did it himself, took on the work of Salvation, fueled by his own Righteousness. He dressed in Righteousness, put it on like a suit of armor, with Salvation on his head like a helmet, Put on Judgment like an overcoat, and threw a cloak of Passion across his shoulders. Isaiah 59:15-17 MSG
The Messiah stepped into our mess and made hope real again!
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 NKJV
The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins, says the LORD.
Isaiah 59:20 NLT
Jesus came to do more than make us merry, He came to make us free and whole forever!
The enemy will never stop trying to rob us of the Joy Jesus came to give us.
Christmas doesn’t have to be merry to be amazing when Christmas directs our our eyes to the Christ.
Do you see what I see, I see our Savior