John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
In the stables the Redeemer of the world is born. His name shall be called Immanuel, God with us. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God would be seen through Jesus. It was to manifest God’s glory that He came to our world. To this sin darkened earth, He came to reveal the light of God’s love, to be God with us.
No room for Jesus was found. As the angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption, they watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son. Angels in many forms came to the lands of the chosen people, yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer. With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of the people whom God had called. Everyone knew of His coming and in their prayers and rituals they pointed to the Lamb of God, but in their striving for riches and worldly honor they knew not His coming was at hand. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all of heaven.
The Nativity is a story of Love.
For hundreds of years, Love had whispered, “I am coming! I am coming to be with you to stay with you forever!”
It was Love that celebrated that night in the skies over Bethlehem with angels, music, and shouts of praise.
Love was the shining star high in the sky, sent to draw people from far away to come and worship the Baby.
And Love entered our hearts. We can feel it drawing us to love and worship God. We can see it gathering us together to celebrate His coming. And we can sense it reaching out this season to share with the needy all around us.
How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does He ask? Live like His Son.
The Promised One had finally come but the world did not herald His appearing. The angels of Heaven looked on with wonder, but the world still carried on without a care. The only people informed of this glorious event were humble shepherds, who were in the field at night, tending their flocks. How appropriate that the Great Shepherd of the sheep was first seen by the shepherds of lowly Bethlehem. The shepherd was not considered to have an occupation of prestige, nor is he highly esteemed by the world's eyes; yet God chose those shepherds to witness the greatest Shepherd who would ever live. Shepherds have always had a special place in the Bible. Abel was a shepherd; David was a shepherd; Moses was a shepherd. How fitting it was for those shepherds to get the first glimpse at the very One, who years later would say, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). How awesome that the shepherds were the first eyewitnesses to see the One, of whom John the Baptist would later say, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
The glory of God the shepherds had seen the night the Christ Child was born became a beacon to the faithful the world over. God’s sign to all mankind that His promise of salvation was both a light in the sky and a light in the minds and hearts of all who heard the news and believed. The Son of God was a new light that would forever change mankind. Jesus was born that night to be the one true light to guide our lives…then, now, and forever.
The Nativity is a story of a Star.
The wise men had studied the stars for years, but suddenly, One Star caused them to leave home on a journey, traveling many months.
That Star was a sign from heaven, and they followed. One Star was their only guide all the way from a distant country through so much desert and so many midnights. One Star led them to a simple house in the tiny village of far-away Bethlehem. When they found Him, their doubts were erased, and they bowed down before Him. They laid their gifts before Him and opened their hearts and let their doubts go free. Instead of questions, their hearts were filled with awe and wonder that God’s promise had been fulfilled.
“Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he or she commemorates the Christmas season. Our Heavenly Father gave to us His Son, Jesus Christ. That precious Son gave to us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.” (Thomas S. Monson)
Just as the Wise Men came from afar to bring precious gifts, it is possible for us to do the same. We may not travel the physical distances they did. Our “traveling” will be in the stretching of our souls – in our growing capacity to love as He would have us love, to do as He would have us do, and to live as He would have us live. Our journey isn’t a physical trek over dusty hills and roads; it is an emotional and spiritual pilgrimage. The end result is the same: we present the best we have to offer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Someone has appropriately said, “We make a living by what we get, but we build a life by what we give.” It is through giving, rather than getting, that the Spirit of Christ enters our lives. (Thomas S. Monson)
Oh, holy night the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining ‘til he appeared, and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees. Oh, hear the angel voices. Oh, night divine;
Oh, night when Christ was born
Oh, night divine. Oh night. Oh, night divine
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming. With glowing hearts by His cradle, we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming there came the wise men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger in all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger. Behold your King.
Before Him lowly bend
Behold your King. Before Him lowly bend.
Truly He taught us to love one another. His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother and in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord. Oh, praise His name forever. His power and glory ever more proclaim.
Here is a version of O Holy Night is you want to hear it, not all the verses are in the song but it still is very beautiful to listen to- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITIaYoWCPkE
As we continue our study through 1 Corinthians I hope you have been able to join me and have found many new insights, blessings and uplifting thoughts. It is always good to spend time in scripture allowing God to speak to us and show us what He wants us to learn. We will continue with our study with 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1
Study 15, 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1- https://www.docdroid.net/0We9mHq/1-corinthians-study-15-docx
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