The songwriter, Dottie Rambo wrote, “He left the splendor of heaven, knowing His destiny, was the lonely hill of Golgotha, There to lay down His life for me. If that isnt Love, the ocean is dry, theres no stars in the sky, and the sparrow cant fly, if that isnt Love, then heavens a myth, theres no feeling like this, if that isnt love.” The Prophet Isaiah said that Messiah is, “Immanuel,” Isaiah 7:14; 8:8. Matthew tells us that Emmanuel is interpreted, “God with us,” Matthew 1:25.(1) When Jesus Christ walked this earth He was both God (Deity) and man. This is another miracle. The humanity of Jesus is very clearly seen at the cross. In His humanity He said, “I thirst.” In His Deity He said, “Father forgive them.” John records the High Priestly Prayer of Christ in John chapter 17. In John 17:11, some very interesting words are spoken, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” At the time Jesus spoke these words He was still in the world. However, He foresaw the day that He would no longer be in this world and would be restored in unity to the Father in the fullness that He enjoyed before coming to earth. Not only did Christ look forward to that day of restoration for Himself – He looked forward to the day that, “those whom Thou hast given me, that they may be one, as We are.” Do you see what I see? There is reserved in heaven a special relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for those that follow Him. This is exciting. The Apostle Paul says that we are, “new creatures,” II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15. I am convinced that we do not fully comprehend II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Old things are passed away – all things are become new. That is the gift of Christmas. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, families and friends will exchange gifts. The eyes of children will widen as they anticipate the secrets held in the beautifully wrapped gifts. Someone will say, “This is what I always wanted!” Or “This is the best gift ever!” May I remind you that that best gift ever is the exchange that takes place when we accept Jesus Christ as God’s greatest gift? When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we become “new creatures.” We may not comprehend the fullness of that exchange today. But there is coming a day when the trials and frustrations of this earth will all fade away. On that day we will be in full relationship with Jesus Christ and enjoy the splendor of heaven as He does. Accept His gift today and you will enjoy the greatest gift ever given. (1) Immanuel is from the Hebrew text/Emmanuel is from the Greek text. youtu.be/76RrdwElnTU
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 17:22:23 +0000
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