13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his other, 15 and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "I called my Son out of Egypt." 16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance. 17 Herod's brutal action fulfilled why God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A cry was heard in Ramah - weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead."
Christmas is not always the joyous, merry experience that the media or even the church portrays it to be. For many, and maybe you, Christmas is everything but a wonderful time of the year. For Mary and Joseph Christmas was a time of running for their child''s life. Herod heard rumors that a new king was born. His fear of losing power caused a chain of events that endangered the very life of this newborn baby boy named Jesus, who was God in human flesh. Joseph received a dream in which he was told to escape to Egypt with Mary and the baby.
Herod, in order to make sure he remained in power, ordered his soldiers to kill all boys two years and younger. The cry was heard throughout the town of Bethlehem because of the sorrow. What a difficult time of the year to celebrate. It may be the same for you. Memories of Christmas may not be pleasant. Your family, your church, your own personal life may be overflowing with sad thoughts of the season that is supposed to be filled with joy.
Remember that Herod himself died. Matthew 2:15 He remained (Jesus) there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called MY SON."
Mary and Joseph along with Jesus returned to Israel. The Merry Christmas we share is because of the victory of Jesus. He lived, He died, He arose, and someday He is coming again. Although you may have experienced sad times at Christmas, remember so did Mary and Joseph. In the end they found victory. We are also victorious. Celebrate a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS no matter what the past of the present, because Jesus is our victory.
_____________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.,
I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Sandy was up early in order to have four pies made by 6:30 AM. I sure married good. She fixed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The whole family came to our home. We had a great time.
Sunday I was privileged to teach our Sunday School class. We have over 50 in the class. The next three weeks I will continue with the study in 2 Corinthians. The class is so responsive. They are a joy to teach. Sandy will begin teaching again in January on Tuesday mornings. She is looking forward to sharing with the ladies of our church.
In the meantime we are busy with band concerts (all three grandsons), birthdays (all three kids and one grandchild, choir presentations, and putting up Christmas decorations. We have a real band with the three older grandsons playing percussion, trumpet and trombone. I think Johnny may play a hockey stick like his dad.
Sandy and I will be doing ministry again this winter in Quartzsite, AZ during the Rock and Gem Show. The First Baptist Church of Quartzsite sponsors an annual revival. I found out yesterday that my friend of almost 50 years, Henry Smart, will be preaching. Sandy and I will lead the daily devotionals for the Campers On Mission team. It is always a highlight of the year for us.
I know that you will be having family get togethers during this special time of the year. I do pray you will enjoy one another, remember the reason we celebrate Christmas is Jesus, and that you will be safe.
May God bless you during this wonderful season of Christmas. Tell someone about Jesus. Love your family. Celebrate life. Take a nap now and then. Give to someone who cannot return the favor. And as Ron Dunn used to say "love God, hate sin and watch out for big trucks". LOL
I love and appreciate you all. ~ DGW
No comments:
Post a Comment