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Luke Chapter Two
1.And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
I never get tired of hearing this story. It truly is the greatest story ever told. This story brings me great joy each time I read it and it always will. I often wonder why, of all the people the angels could have appeared to, they came to the shepherds? Could it be that only the shepherds would understand that the baby in the manger was the lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world?
As I was meditating on the answer to this question Father spoke to me and asked me to share these words with you. He said:
My beloved children. This is my love story to you. I loved you so much and all of heaven was excited on that day. Yes, we knew his fate was sealed and he would be betrayed and crucified. Yet we looked past the pain that would eventually come our way and looked at his birth with great joy. We did this because we love you and sent him to save you.
The angels had known the plan from creation that he would come and set all things right. Do you notice they said “Peace on earth and good will toward men?” I want you to remember that. That is still my plan. I plan on bringing peace to all the earth and to show my goodness to every person. Would you remember that as you go forward and help me with this? Will you show good will to every person you meet? Even the ones you don’t like?
I am so looking forward to the day when we all dwell in peace together and there is no more evil and no more pain. When the earth if full of my glorious grace. When no one raises a sword against another and no one is angry with his brother. Will you help me my children? You can do this by loving each other and caring for one another. Not just in words but in deeds. Will you set your hearts and minds to be kind to every person you meet? I told you in scripture that it is my goodness that leads men to repentance. Will you be good towards others until they see my love in you and they turn back to me?
If you truly want to honor my son, then please do as he did for you. Lay down your lives for each other. Love each other as you do me. Encourage each other and be kind to each other. Peace can fill the earth one person at a time and it can start with you. Make peace with all those you are in disagreement with. I am not saying that you have to agree with evil. But make peace and forgive all who have done evil to you. This is the Christmas story. It is a love story about peace on earth and goodwill to all men.
Yes, I know, and I hear some of you say in your hearts that the date that you celebrate isn’t right. No more fighting about that. When you are in love with Christ then every day is Christmas. Celebrate his birth and his resurrection each and every day. The greatest act of love the universe has ever known shouldn’t be just celebrated once a year, but every day.
So please my beloved, celebrate my love, and know that you are the reason my son was born in a manger, crucified on a cross and resurrected and seated at my right hand to represent you as God in man flesh. You are that important to me, as is everyone you meet. If I love them enough to send my son to die for them, then can’t you love them enough to tell them?
I love you my dear children. Don’t forget it’s not about shopping and eating and chasing the things the world chases. It is about the one who loved you so much that he left the glory of heaven to be born in a stable like an animal, just so that he would qualify to be your sacrifice. It is not about gifts under a tree, it is about the greatest gift of all nailed to a tree. It’s not about a man in a red suit. It is about a man who shed every drop of his red blood so that you could be free.
He is my beloved son, Celebrate him!
Merry Christ Day my children.
This was the end of the words he spoke to me at that moment.
I hope you are encouraged by these words.
Until next time,
Grow Rich in His Grace,
I love you all and,
Happy Christ Day!
michael
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This was the end of the words he spoke to me at that moment.
I hope you are encouraged by these words.
Until next time,
Grow Rich in His Grace,
I love you all and,
Happy Christ Day!
michael
For more information please click the links below:
