Adore Him
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
I have heard it said that Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger because that is how all sacrificial lambs begin. Jesus was the ultimate sacrificial lamb sent by the Father to pay for the sins of this world.
The wage of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) Sin requires a payment. Christ died to make the final payment for all who believe in Him.
For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually unproductive] way of life inherited [by tradition] from your forefathers with perishable things like silver and gold, but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. For He was foreordained (foreknown) before the foundation of the world, but has appeared [publicly] in these last times for your sake and through Him you believe [confidently] in God [the heavenly Father], who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are [centered and rest] in God.
1 Peter 1:18-21 Amplified Bible
One of my favorite Christmas traditions was started by my mom many years ago. It is a simple and beautiful tribute to Jesus' birth. I love it so much that we still do it each year on Christmas with our children and grandchildren.
Mom lovingly gathered all of her grandchildren, sometimes dressed up as shepherds or angels, and gave them each a battery powered candle to hold on to. As the adults in the room sang out a Christmas Carole or two, the kids entered the darkened room with their small faces aglow with the light of their little candle held tight. Each precious child so innocent and filled with the love of God that it spilled out across their faces and all over the room. With eyes bright and great anticipation in their hearts, they slowly strolled across the floor to set their candle as close to Baby Jesus as they could. Who is more like the Unblemished Lamb than these little ones? Who is better qualified to set the glow of candle light at His feet in an act of worship?
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
Mark 10:16
As Christmas draws near, purify your heart, become like a little child and set your candle beside His manger for a moment and worship Him.
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord!
~O Come, All Ye Faithful
Pray with me....
Heavenly Father,
We do adore You! Thank You for coming to the manger to pay the ultimate price for us.
This Christmas as the world feels dark, let Your light shine through us. Be so evident in each of our lives that we act as magnets that draw others to You. Let them see the Light of the World at work in us and desire the peace that we hold dear until they can resist it no longer.
Draw many to Your Kingdom this Christmas. Bring many into Your fold as Your Kingdom comes.
Thy will be done,
In Jesus Name
