What Has He Done?

Only five days until most of the world pauses for a day to remember, to rejoice, to celebrate.

The detail and intricacy spanning a few thousand years, written in the book we call the Bible, is amazing. Lives lived in ages past that mirror ours today. Promises of old that still calm fear. Do we remember what it says in Genesis, in Psalms, in Isaiah, in Micah and others written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth?

“…The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be ruler over Israel, whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

At Jesus’ birth angels sang a message of great joy, delight. Isn’t that what we all clamber after daily? Songs and movies, books and commercials tell us this car or that investment will make us happy. Yet we get the good job or the dream vacation and still we long for something more. Great joy and delight are satisfied in peace and surety – and there’s only One who gives those. Forevermore no more suffering – a cause to sing, to rejoice again and again.

“For to us a child is given…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.” (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV)  “…Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22 NIV)

Good news usually makes me smile, do a happy dance, call someone. A virgin giving birth to One who came to die so that we could live forever in joy, that does call for celebration. A tree, twinkly lights are good starts. Putting a couple of dollars in the red bucket, that’s good too. But now is our time – no more waiting. No speaking the good news with only those we’re not embarrassed to share it with or who won’t judge us. This good news must go out – amazing love, amazing grace, given for us – a celebration for every heart.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:5 NIV) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3 NIV)

Merry, Merry Christmas, may the Good News of a glorious forever with the Lover of our souls ring loud and clear to longing hearts waiting to hear…SEE WHAT HE HAS DONE!!!