“My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly” – Isaiah 26:9 (Amplified Bible)
“And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified Bible)
Christmas day is always miraculous, but when it falls on a Sunday there seems to be a divergence of what is Holy and the escalating secular commercialism. Christmas week 2011 culminated with New Years Day also falling on a Sunday. I have a feeling that by the year starting off on Sunday this is going to be an extraordinary year.
Do you ever wonder why people seem to be kinder and more aware of the plight of their fellow man during this particular season? People are more giving and compassionate. It’s got to be because of the acknowledgement of the glory of God. Everyday people seem to be aware of the presence of a mighty God. Could it be the speaking of the name of Jesus and the exaltation of his extraordinary birth? Could it be the hymns, songs and carols that saturate the atmosphere around the world?
I’ve listened to a lifetime of sermons about the birth of Jesus with the usual cast of Nativity characters; you know the wise men, the shepherds and angelic chorus. But Christmas day 2011 sermon titled, “He Came Down” presented the argument that Immanuel is just what his name says – God is with us and He is ever present. In addition to the Lord being present, He is indeed mighty. To quote the sermon, “I need a mighty, mighty God to handle my messy, mess!”
“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified Bible).
Why do we attempt to curtail an eternal king to a few days on the calendar? Does that question stir your soul as it leaps off the pages? Don’t you sense the change or a shift in your heart when presented with the assurance of a divine partnership? Do you wake up with a “Thank you Lord” on your lips knowing that each day His mercy blesses us with another day?
It is now January and it seems as if the joy that just filled the land is slowly dissipating like a slow leak from an old tire. I choose not to let go of my Christmas state of mind. I desperately need the glory to envelop all areas of my life! Jesus, the Christ is so awesome, I can’t limit celebrating his glory to just one day. So I may not say Merry Christmas during the other eleven months of the year, but my state of mind and salutation will be “Have a Christ filled Day!”
Prayer:
Dear Father God, I thank You for Jesus! I choose to acknowledge His guidance and to seek His face daily. Father I receive the peace and joy that Jesus gives; not just for myself but to be a blessing for others! Oh Lord, be glorified! As I walk in Your assigned purpose, help me to cherish my relationship You. Help me to keep the wonder of a Christmas state of mind and to celebrate how truly awesome You are everyday!
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