ACKNOWLEDGE HIS PRESENCE BY FAITH

The Gospel of Luke recorded that when Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son, whose name is Jesus, she wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Also an Angel of the Lord made the special announcement to the shepherds in the field. Let's find out more.

Reference: Luke 2:10-12 New International Version (NIV) 'But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."'

The thought that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords would come to this world and be placed in a manger almost sounds incredible but it is the greatest and timeless truth in the history of mankind. For many, its breathtaking and most impossible to believe. No one would ever expect a Deity responsible for all creation to come into the world in such a humble manner.

Think of this: Many a time, men occupying seats of governing authority and personalities in notable high places officially announce their coming and show up in their glorified mode, as publicly as possible, characterized chiefly by the dignified representation of noble figures. This is the reason we easily recognise them, acknowledge them and regard them highly and accordingly. Interestingly, our Lord Jesus Christ didn't, even though He is the King of Kings, most highly positioned to proclaim His supremacy in His majesty and glory, yet He comes in simplicity, without any vast array of arrival. It wasn't because He didn't have the power to do things otherwise, it was just because He is humility personified.

He could have chosen to be born in an extraordinary and sophisticated fashion that would have brought the whole world to their knees in worship. He could have announced His birth to the most powerful and famous men of the day instead of lowly shepherds. He could have been born in the most luxurious mansion instead of a manger. But God did not choose it that way. And it wouldn't have taken any faith on men's part to acknowledge Jesus, if He came in such a manner that His deity was obvious.

Likewise with us, the Lord could manifest Himself to us in an extremely impressive way or in a manner, heroic in sight and emulation, that everybody would recognise that He is the Most High and no one would miss Him, but that wouldn't please Him or make Him a revolutionary almighty Saviour. God desires faith and, "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (see Hebrews 11:6). Those who acknowledge Him and respond by faith often experience the miraculous.

Just in case you don't know who we are celebrating at Christmas, let me introduce Him to you once more. He is Christ, the Messiah, the Lord, our Master, our Maker, our Saviour, the Logos (the Word), Son of God and the Lamb of God. God sent Him to us as the world's best gift ever. The Bible says in Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV), "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Just for our sake, He came down. And without His coming and His sacrifice, we would have no hope for anything beyond this life.

Today, let's worship and reverence our Heavenly Father for this special gift to mankind, and as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledge His presence by faith, not just because of who He is, but also for all He's done for us. Then most importantly, we must ensure we accept Him as Saviour and declare His Lordship over our lives because He is coming again, this time, not for the whole world, but only for those who are saved and are readily prepared to receive Him and be raptured out of the earth realm.

Scripture Reading - Matthew 1:23; John 3:16; Matthew 2:1-12; Galatians 4:4.

Guided Prayer: Holy and precious Father, thank you for your greatest gift to the world, our Lord Jesus, who came to grant the knowledge of salvation unto all men in the remission of their sins. Because of your tender mercy, the dayspring from on high has visited mankind and your Spirit dwells with men. I'm forever grateful for the light of the glorious gospel that shines upon the hearts of those that sit in the domain of darkness and the shadow of death, thereby quickening their spirit and guiding their feet out of the shackles of bondage into the Kingdom of life. As I celebrate the birth of the world's Saviour, I continue to wax strong in faith and in spirit, serving Him fervently, till the day of His soon return. Thank you Lord for lighting up in me passion for Christ and His righteousness, in Jesus' Name, Amen.