Dec 22, 2009

CHRISTmas: an answer to the Impossible


“Then the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you; you shall find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger”. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-16)

At Christmas we celebrate God sending His Son Jesus into the world as a child born to a virgin named Mary. We listen, we watch, we observe, we wonder about the message from the angels to the shepherds: “there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

But what do we do with this information that we heard in the songs and the stories? Is there really any relevance in this 2000 year old message? How do we apply what we’ve heard into our day to day lives? What do we do with this information as we try live this stuff out? What do we do with this information tomorrow as we gather with relatives only to face another Christmas of rejection, and pain, and disappointment? It seems impossible that they could ever change.

What do we do with this information as Monday we go back to our real jobs and real lives with all of its trials and seemingly impossible adventures? What do we do with this information when things look impossible?”

When things look impossible, we need to remember that the shepherd FOUND a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing laying in a feed trough. Did you notice that God didn’t leave His message simply up to human faith? My question is “How often do shepherds find the babies lying in a feed trough?”

God confirmed that born to us in the city of David was a Savior- Jesus Christ. And that same God who was born as a babe in a manger is waiting to reveal Himself to us in power and wonder and awe like He did to the shepherds!

When things look impossible, we need to remember that although Jesus came as a babe, He grew up and lived this life that we live.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Rome: “It is Christ who died, and furthermore is risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34). Hebrews 7:25 says; “...He is able also to save them to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them.

When things look impossible, we need to remember that the story of Jesus’ birth is not just some cute story told once a year. There is healing, and power, and deliverance available to us when we call upon His Name....RIGHT NOW! We have access to this same Jesus who is interceding for us: RIGHTNOW! 

In the Old Testament, we find God revealing Himself through various situations. Revealing who He is and His character as Healer, Provider, All Powerful. In our passage today, we find Him revealing that He is the SAVIOR.

Did you notice in that passage in Luke that the shepherds were told that: “There is born to YOU this day in the city of David, a SAVIOR, who is Christ the Lord”. YES: for unto YOU is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
 For YOU He left heaven and was born in a manger.
For YOU He bore the cross and was crucified.
For YOU His blood was poured out from His hands & His feet.
For YOU He said “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they do”.
For YOU He breathed His last breath and said, “It is finished”.
For YOU He rose from the dead on the 3rd day.

My friend; I’m not sure what challenges you are facing today:
 Maybe you are in a school or a job or a family where they take the name of God in vain or you are experiencing some other difficult situation, and you say, "I can't survive here spiritually!"
Maybe you’re facing seemingly impossible situations that have tormented you and stolen your sleep and your health.
Maybe you are facing overwhelming financial difficulties.
Maybe you are facing the loss of a loved who through death, or divorce and you can’t find any hope in this season of joy.
Maybe you are involved in sin, and a life style that has trapped you and can’t see any way out of your addiction.
Maybe you are dealing with loneliness that is crushing your soul.
Maybe disappointment and despair have gripped you to the point that you have been wrestling with thoughts of suicide.
Maybe you are simply facing a flat tire.

Listen dear friends, I’m writing this to let you know that the message that the angels brought to those shepherds centuries ago is still true today. That Jesus wants us to come to Him knowing that He longs to give you peace that only comes from a right relationship with Him: While you’re in the midst of what you are going through... and when you’re overwhelmed by your circumstances... Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33).

To those who don’t know Jesus:  I would hate to think of someone going through another Christmas and not understand why Jesus came.  

Jesus came to pay for our sins so that we could be forgiven and be in right relationship with the Father. THAT WAS HIS PLAN ALL ALONG.  It is so easy to miss that as we sort through the bills, gifts and traditions. Simply put, Jesus is calling out for you today. But He wants so much more than just today, He wants your tomorrows and all that follows in the future. And all you have to do is respond to His calling for you to turn from your ways and ask His forgiveness. He will take care of the rest.  WON”T YOU ANSWER HIM TODAY?

To those who know Jesus:  I would hate to think of a Christian going through another day without knowing and entering into the victory and peace that comes when we call upon the Name of the Lord.  “YES”, He is our Savior, but He is so much more than that. And you need to remember that He is and cry out to Him.

When Things Look Impossible, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who God is. Reminding you that He is a faithful God and will come through

When things look impossible, remember His name is Jesus Mt 1:21  He is The Prince of Peace Is 9:6 The Mighty God Is 9:6 The Wonderful Counselor Is 9:6
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Holy One Mk 1:24 The Lamb of God John 1:29 The Lord God Almighty Rev 15:3 The Great I AM John 8:58
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Lion of The Tribe of Judah Rev 5:5 He is The Root of David Rev 22:16 The Word of Life 1 John 1:1
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Author and Finisher of Our Faith Heb 12:2  He is The Advocate 1 John 2:1 He is The Way John 14:6 He is The Dayspring Luke 1:78
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Lord of All Acts 10:36 He is The Son of God John 1:34 The Shepherd & Bishop of Our Souls 1 Peter 2:25
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Messiah John 1:41 He is The Root of Truth John 14:6 He is The Savior 2 Peter 2:20
When things look impossible, remember He is The Chief Cornerstone Rev 22:16 He is The King of Kings Rev 19:16 and The Lord of Lords Rev 19:16
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Righteous Judge 2 Tim 4:8 He is The Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4 The Head of The Church Eph 1:22
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Light of The World John 8:12 The Bright and Morning Star Rev 22:16 The Son of Righteousness Mal 4:22
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Alpha and The Omega Rev 1:18 The Governor Matt 2:6 The Horn of Salvation Luke 1:69 The Resurrection & The Life John 11:25 
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Lord Jesus Christ Acts 15:11 
 When things look impossible, remember that JESUS IS LORD! Phil 2:11

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