Thoughts about Christmas
By Elizabeth Darby Bass, Sabbath Streams Ministries
"A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done." (Isaiah 9:6&7)
Oh, I know Dec. 25th is not really the day of the birth of Jesus, Yeshua. And I understand that there are things about this day that are not of God, that have 'pagan roots.' But I also think that if ever there was a takeover that worked - this is it. This king, of Divine origin - who came to us as a human baby - came to be the ruler. He came to take over the world systems. And in many ways this day has been taken over. So the takeover is not complete and there seems to be a back and forth in the battles, some years it is more honoring to HIM, some not so honoring. But is this not the daily struggle of our lives? In some things we honor Him well, in others, maybe not so much.
I can look at every holy day and see some worldly additions, some potential pagan rituals, (the egg at Passover for example) but in this season, I want to remember that this king is still on the mission to take over! I want to be reminded that He came to set up HIS kingdom here on earth. In this season I want, no - I NEED that kingdom in my heart and in my life. In this season I want to remember the verses that come before.
"Those who walked in the dark have seen a bright light. And it shines upon everyone who lives in the land of darkest shadows. Our LORD, you have made your nation stronger. Because of you, its people are glad and celebrate like workers at harvest time or like soldiers dividing up what they have taken. You have broken the power of those who abused and enslaved your people. You have rescued them just as you saved your people from Midian." Is 9: 2-4
In this season I want to celebrate because You came to break the power of the enemy in our lives. You came to rescue us and to set us free. You came to conquer the world systems and the ungodly things that have caused your people so much pain. So I remember you: The baby born in Bethlehem, the newborn who awed the shepherds, the toddler the wise men honored, the boy who stymied the elders in the temple, the teacher who spoke with authority, the man beaten and bloody who died on the cross, the glorious one who stepped out of the grave clothes and into the courts of heaven. This is the one I will remember. This is the one I choose to honor and love. The one who went through all of that to bring FREEDOM to a world enslaved. So I don’t see it quite yet. But I know it is coming, I know it is being worked out. The Salvation of man is not complete,
"But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns. Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father. Christ will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, and the last enemy he destroys will be death." I Cor 15:23-26
The Day is coming, how can I help but sing:
All praise to Him Who reigns above in majesty supreme,
Who gave His Son for man to die, that He might man redeem!
His Name above all names shall stand, exalted more and more,
At God the Father's own right hand, where angel hosts adore.
Redeemer, Savior, Friend of man, once ruined by the fall,
Thou hast devised salvation's plan, For Thou hast died for all.
His Name shall be the Counselor, The mighty Prince of Peace,
Of all earth's kingdoms Conqueror, Whose reign shall never cease.
Blessed be the Name! Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Blessed be the Name! Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Words by William H. Clark; (refrain added by Ralph E. Hudson) Music by Ralph E. Hudson
