-Strength for Today- "Christmas is All About Experiencing God." - Matthew 1:23.

    When Adam sinned, this world became one big prison, a place dwelt daily, void of any:

·       Hope or

·       Purpose.

    Because every day was lived in anticipation of the moment when the doors of death would open, you’d be taken out of the dark gallows, and placed in the place of your choice where only eternal separation awaits you.

    This “spiritually disconnected” moment should remind us of what it means to be on the outside of God’s presence. Because outside of His grace, there’s no “divine relief” available. Because at that “midnight hour,” and because the gavel of righteousness had already sounded it purpose, (Romans 6:23a), God’s grace and mercy stepped forth and made an announcement which said, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” –Matthew 1:23.

    And at that moment, the God of the universe, the One who created everything, came down, and was “miraculously made flesh” –John 1:14. And being a man:

·       He experienced thirst,

·       Felt the pangs of hunger,

·       Laid His head on the bare ground to sleep, and

    Wept with friends who were overwhelmed by grief and watched as everyone walked away from Him in His darkest hour.

    Yet His ministry was unexpected, in that He modeled it after a humble servant, instead of a stately king. and this He did that the prophecy of Him might be fulfilled –Isaiah 42:1. There was no “pomp” to His ministry because He came to hang out with:  

·       The sick,

·       The outcast, and

·       The isolated.

     He came to bring hope to those who had none. Many people in the world today feel like a “bruised reed”, because they’re living and suffering in an injustice system. But when Jesus came, He came to bring “spiritual relief,” to those who have no eternal hope.

   So this Christmas, perhaps you’re bruised, and have known injustice. But remember that even in your brokenness, Jesus is with you and:

·       Feels your sorrow,

·       Knows your “imminent” outcome.

      Yet He wants you to experience the “surety” of His hope. So as you consider the hope of Jesus this Christmas, think about how you can share this hope with others. Because in Him, when you reach outside of your comfort zone, you’re taking on the passion of Christ, and then by faith, ‘you’re experiencing God’s purpose. And by touching others, you’re helping them to experience His “purposeful unconditional” love as well.

Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD