“Faith is the substance of things hoped for.” Hebrews 11:1
On the second day before Christmas—the celebration of the Christ child’s entrance into the world—I reflect on those He came to set free. Before we look too far, “those” would include you and me. We all need a reason to exist in this terrible and fantastic temporary world, and God sent His son for that reason.
A perfect present wrapped in swaddling cloths, JESUS, would become the physical example of how to “do life.” He would later ask his disciples to follow him. (Matthew 6:24). First they would have to deny themselves and accept the trials that would come with the call.
But why would they? I believe it was initially the miracles they saw and later, the hope He gave to the oppressed, poor, and marginalized.
Isn’t this the same reason we say “Yes,” and surrender all today? PROMISES and HOPE in this terrible and fantastic temporary existence.
As followers of Christ, freely we have received both promises and hope, and freely we should give it away to the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized—essentially, those like us. The sick (John 5:1-16), the homeless, and the imprisoned. Freely we share the promises and give hope for a new day and the opportunity for eternal life.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:37 (CSB), “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
JESUS, the reason for the season and the reason for living. JESUS is Immanuel, God with us.
Merry Christmas,
L.A. Taylor
Proverbs 31:20
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