The Everlasting Message of Christmas
The following is a Christmas letter we received from Glenda Fleming. I was so blessed by the beauty of this everlasting message that I asked Glenda if I could share it with you. Glenda serves Aglow International on the International Board of Directors, as U.S. Regional Director of the Southern Region and on the Israel Council.
May your heart be warmed by this glorious Christmas message. Merry Christmas!
Nancy McDaniel, Aglow International Prayer Director
From Glenda: The Everlasting Message of Christmas
The Sweetest Message
One of the sweetest messages ever announced from heaven is being sounded to us again this Christmas. Luke 2:8-14: That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly and angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced and it is for everyone!” The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem.” Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the Armies of Heaven – praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “And peace on earth for all.” (The Life Application Bible)
Fear Not
We can, in our hearts, go to Bethlehem this Christmas; and in the company of wondering shepherds, we can see Him who was born King. Isaiah 7:14 – Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel (God with us).
On the first Christmas night God spoke “Fear Not” to the world. The shepherds listened to the angels. Inspiration took hold of their hearts, and grace took root in their souls. Their fears were gone. Our Father wants that same inspiration and grace to fill our hearts this Christmas.
Prophecy Fulfilled
The love and joy that we feel at Christmas was manifested in that stable in Bethlehem. But the joy for us is that He is not in a manger this Christmas. For one day on a lonely hill called Mount Calvary He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which said, “He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities and the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. By His stripes, we are healed.” He was buried, but He conquered death and came forth out of the grave. He stood with His disciples on the Mount of Olives and promised them the power of the Holy Spirit. He told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel, baptizing in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Then, He was caught up in a cloud and ascended to the Father before their very eyes. Two angels came to stand beside them and told them that just as they saw Him ascend, that the same Jesus would come again in like manner.
Just as the prophets foretold His first coming, Christmas; they have also foretold His second coming. This should bring a Christmas spirit of joy and rejoicing to each of us. The next time He comes, He will not come as a babe in a manger, but in all the glory and splendor of the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Gifts
Just as God the Father sent the first Christmas gift of His Son, the Son gives gifts to us not only at Christmas but each and every day until He reappears. 2 Peter 1: Grace and peace be multiplied to you (this Christmas season) in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue; by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises (gifts), that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature.
The precious Christmas gift of the Son of God wants to lead our lives, giving us the peace of Christ that will rule our hearts (Colossians 3:15).
Just as a loving Father gave a star that would lead and guide the wise men of the first Christmas, He still gives us a star (His Beloved Son) that will lead each of us willing to follow His star.
From my heart to your hearts comes all the blessings and love of Christmas. May each of your homes be filled with His glorious Christmas Light.