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Christmas

Let us Rejoice!

Christmas, the wonderful day of the year set aside to remember this Glorious event:
“ The Word became Flesh’ Jesus came! Jesus is here! Let the world rejoice!
God steps into the affairs of this earth in the Flesh!

No one or anything can rob me of the thrill of this season. I will not let the commercialization or the paganization of this season take away from me my joy.

Yes, there is the cross to come I know that. I have carried a 12 foot cross around the world. I know about the cross. Yet there is something very special about this event that sets the birth of Jesus apart even from the remainder of the Gospels. I am not a theologian but I think the life of Jesus could well be viewed in three parts:

1. The events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
2. The public ministry and witness of Jesus concluding with the cross.
3. The Words and commissioning of Jesus from the resurrection to His ascension.

This first part is filled with wonder, beauty, revelation and excitement. I love it! We do not get this feeling again until after the resurrection. During the middle part we have the struggles and battles of Jesus that never end till after the cross. He is in constant battle, teaching and conflict with the world, the devil and religion.

The birth of Jesus is different. See the rejoicing that covers these events.

The Angel Gabriel rejoices!
Mary the mother of Jesus rejoices!
Elizabeth rejoices!
Zacharias rejoices!
John the Baptist in the womb of Elizabeth rejoices!
The Angels rejoice!
Shepherds rejoice!
The people the Shepherds told rejoice!
Wise men rejoice!
Simeon Rejoiced!
Anna a prophetess rejoiced!

(I would like to apologize to some people who read this and are not familiar with the above persons and events and also some of the following. However to describe them and the events would distract from the flow of this column. I suggest you read the Bible story in Luke 1st —3rd chapters and Matthew 1st and 2nd chapters in the Holy Bible)

Now let us rejoice! Christ the Savior is born! The following are scriptures.

“You shall call Him Jesus!
For He will save His people from their sins.’

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child
And
Bear a Son
And
They shall call His Name Immanuel, Meaning God with us!’

” Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. That Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God’

Mary said:
” My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
” My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.’

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
” Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward people!”

“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.’

Now, I pray you too are rejoicing in the birth of Jesus our Lord. Wherever you are, from whatever nation or language I encourage you to join in the celebration!
Should you already be a follower of Jesus, Rejoice!
Should you now desire to know and follow Jesus, Rejoice!
Receive the greatest gift in life. Receive Jesus and truly celebrate Christmas.
Ask Jesus into your heart and life as you repent of your sins and commit to follow Jesus now and for all eternity.
Now let us all rejoice!
Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord!

Sally Hobbs who manages our website sent the following to me.
I have taken the liberty to change and add just a few things. I trust you will enjoy this as much as I have.

You are cordially invited to
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25
but He’s always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Today
(Please don’t be late, though, or you’ll miss out on all the fun!)
The joy starts Now!

Place: In your heart… He’ll meet you there.
(You’ll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are.
He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about
new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Costly but admission is free. He’s
already paid for everyone at the Cross.
(He says you wouldn’t have been
able to afford it anyway…
it cost Him everything He had. But
you do need to accept the ticket!)

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a
far-out drink He calls “Living Water,”
followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: Your life. He’s one of those
people who already has everything else.
(He’s very generous in return though.
Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth,
Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,
Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,
Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All “G” rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!
He must know ahead so He can
reserve a place for you at the table.
Also, He’s keeping a list of His friends for future
reference. He calls it the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”

This party has no end!
Hope to see you there!
Please share this invitation with everyone. The doors are open wide for whosoever wills may come.

(P.S. I, Arthur Blessitt accepted the invitation and have reserved my place. My name is in the Book of Life. Please reserve your place soon. Thank you Jesus. Looking forward to seeing you there!)

Merry Christmas, let us Rejoice!

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1