Hello and Merry Christmas!
Every year the space between Thanksgiving and Christmas goes faster. This is one of the most exciting times of the year! One of my best friends was married last weekend, and it was a beautiful ceremony. Everything was decorated in black, white and red; there's something special about weddings around the holidays!
Some of my favorite scriptures are from the book of Isaiah, especially the prophecies about Jesus Christ. We don't celebrate Christmas because we think Jesus was born on December 25 a long long time ago...we take time each year to remember what it means that God walked among us and was human just as the rest of us. He came to set us free, to break the chains, give light to those walking in the darkness, and lead those out of slavery. Read through these verses and let it speak to your heart!
Isaiah 9:2-3;6-7
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."
Jesus read this in Luke 4:18-19 about himself:
Isaiah 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
I hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends and enjoy this Christmas season!
