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December 22, 2023
Love Came Down and Joy Filled My Soul
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is Love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. (1 John 4:8-9 NLT)
Precious one, did you see the Star of Bethlehem or (the Christmas Star) on December 21st, 2020? It was the first time we could see it in 803 years. The planets lined up to make it possible. Luke 21:25 says, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth, the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. The Star of Bethlehem appears in the nativity story of Matthew’s Gospel, where the star inspired ‘ wise men from the East’ (Magi) to travel to Jerusalem. The star the wise men had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. (Matthew 2:9)
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11) When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
All who came to see baby Jesus in the manger bowed down and worshipped Him and brought gifts of Love. This is a holy time of the year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and King. Instead of getting caught up in the world’s false celebration of Christ’s birth, let us remember the reason for the season. Spread the Joy of the Lord and the Love of Christ everywhere you go. Has the Love of Christ Jesus pierced your heart? How will you know? You will love one another in the same way Christ Jesus loves you with forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness. When you love what and whom Jesus loves – His children who follow Him. He loves all humankind, and it is the heart of Jesus that everyone would come to repentance and serve Him. (John 3:16). Love everyone, including the unlovable. Spread Love and Joy!
Make Memories with your family:
I encourage you to lead your family in singing Christmas Carols around the fire, then sit down with your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren read the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-20 and make a memory with your family. Even better, make this a family tradition. Make beautiful memories with your family that they will treasure for a lifetime! Father God, pour out your extravagant Love on each family in Jesus’ holy righteous name!
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