“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’”
– Matthew 1:20,21
It has finally arrived. The day you’ve been looking forward to, planning for, and imagining for months has finally arrived. So, before I wish you and your family a very happy and memorable Christmas, I’d like to encourage you to simply remain still. Christmas is one of the few times of the year when the world seems to slow down. The frenzied speed of the season builds to a day when everything finally comes to a halt. Stores and restaurants close their doors, and there is a sense of tranquility in the air. As a result, I urge you to embrace that serenity today. Take some time to reflect and meditate in the middle of your festivities. Remember the benefits and wonderful things from the previous year, as well as the loss of things. Then anticipate what is to come. Regardless of where you are, pray and ask Jesus to open your mind and heart to allow you to dream. Consider where you want to be in a year and invite the Lord into your situation. Remember that nothing is impossible with Him, no matter how daunting the work before of you appears to be! Big things are born through pain and difficulties, and if you don’t believe me, consider Jesus’ birth… Friend, God picked an unmarried teenage girl to carry His only Son, therefore His life was a scandal even before He was born. His parents were in an unfamiliar place on the night of His birth, with no one to help and support them. Even worse, they couldn’t find a bed for Mary when she was in labor; all she had was Joseph, hay, and the company of animals. Then, in history’s greatest irony, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in a barn, with no fanfare, announcement, or royal escort. The Messiah came strangely and unexpectedly, and the fullness of God was contained in the body of a newborn. It was unorthodox, unspectacular, and unexpected, but it was the apex of human achievement, and it altered everything! Consider what you can accomplish as His child if the enormous Creator could take on human flesh and complete a mission to redeem the world. Your future is limitless because He lives in you, and every challenge you encounter has already been redeemed! |
Prayer
I am humbled that you came to earth in a stable, Jesus, and I recognize that hope and victory are born out of adversity. Today, when I consider who you are, calm my heart.
Reflection
In the stillness of your heart today, what dreams are being born?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
2 Responses
Returning to the lector ministry. Taking a cruise to the islands of the Carribean, or Hawaii.Flying out to California and seeing the graves of Jeff Porcaro and his brother Mike at Forest Lawn Cemetary.Going to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park.Attending a worship service again in my Catholic Church. Attending a worship service at Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church. Meeting Pastor Bobby Schuller.Enjoying karaoke at the Miami Elks Lodge 948. Going to Disney World and enjoying all the different parks and attractions. Being able to eat in my favorite restaurant. Hoping to not wear masks, and having get togethers with friends again.These are the dreams that I hold close in my heart. I also wish that there will finally be a cure for Covid-19. I want to wish all at Hour of Power and Shepherd’s Grove. A Happy and Healthy 2022. May God bless the United States of America. As always I remain a faithful viewer, and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ.Joy to the World,The Lord is Come Amen
Amen