Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - Bethlehem

 

Luke 2:4

So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 965

Bethlehem: house of bread

From the Greek word 'Béthleem' (pronounced bayth-leh-em'). In the Old Testament this word Bethlehem was two words:  Beth Lechem (pronounced bayth leh'-khem). "Beth" means "house" and "Lechem" means bread.  Bethlehem: House of Bread

I've been pronouncing it wrong my whole life. 

In The HOUSE OF BREAD The BREAD OF LIFE is Born.

THE HOUSE OF BREAD

Micah 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel--One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Matthew 2:6

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a Ruler who will be the Shepherd of My people Israel.'

Luke 2:11

Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

THE BREAD OF LIFE

John 6:33, 35

33. "For the Bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

35.Jesus said to them, "I am the Bread of Life; the one coming to Me 

never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never shall thirst at any time."

John 6:47, 48, 50, 51

47. "Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life

48. I am the Bread of Life.

50. This is the Bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die.

51. I am the Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever. And this Bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”

To Eat the Bread of Life is to Hear and Believe The Word of God

John 5:24

Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.

John 11:25, 26

25. Jesus said to her, “I am The Resurrection and The Life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. 

26. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Still this question lingers in the air. Do you believe this? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is The Resurrection and The Life? Do you know that you know that you know? Only you can answer that. Don't leave The House of Bread without having tasted The Bread of Life. 

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 11:27

“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

Matthew 5:6

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

Psalm 107:9

For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM classic North American Christmas carol

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE by Jaime Thietten

FILL MY CUP, LORD by The Nashville String Machine

FILL MY CUP by Andrew Ripp

PORTION by Isla Vista

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - The Light Still Shines

 

Matthew 2:2

"Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east."

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 792

Star: a star, a group of stars, stars strewn across the sky

From the Greek word 'astér' (pronounced as-tare'). In connection with the Greek word 'strónnuó' (pronounced strone'-noo-mee), wherein we get our English word 'astronomy'. 

HIS STAR, HIS PURPOSE

This start had one purpose: to light the way for those seeking the newborn baby King to worship Him. First, the shepherds who were nearby. Then, the wise men from the east, who traveled two years to reach Him. When the star had fulfilled its reason for being, it was seen no more. 

No matter how long it takes us to reach Jesus, as long as our intent is pure, our goal will be reached. And when our purpose in Christ has been fulfilled, we too, will be taken up and seen no more on this earth. Woe, to those whose names are called that are not ready. For no one will ever be 'good enough' to see God's face and live. Only they who are pure in heart. And the only way we can be pure in heart is to have Jesus Christ living in our hearts. 

THE LIGHT STILL SHINES

That light shined in the night sky to lead the way. It stood out from all the other twinkling stars, so it must have been visible to the naked eye. For both the shepherds and the wise men could see it without aid. 

But we know that while that light shone briefly, there is another Light which shines permanently. During His earthly ministry Jesus told His disciples, in John 8:12, "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." 

And again in John 9:5 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Knowing He would be taken out of the world, He also let them know that they would be the light, too, 12:36 "While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light." After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them." 

THE PURE LIGHT

Proverbs 4:18

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.

Philippians 2:14, 15

14. Do everything without complaining or arguing,

15. so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Everywhere and in all things we are instructed to be honorable men and women of God: in our everyday life, where people around us see our actions and hear our the words that come out of our mouths and in the privacy of our own thoughts, where only God knows what we are thinking and the true intents of our hearts. 

Let us be the Lighthouse that shines the Light and Love of God through Jesus Christ into the darkness of this world in which we live, that wandering souls may see Jesus and be saved from wreck and ruin.

JESUS IS THE LIGHT by Carman

LIGHT OF THE WORLD by Hillsong United

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival -- King of The Jews

 

Matthew 2:1, 2

1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2. Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 935
King: ruler, emperor

From the Greek word 'basileus' (pronounced bas-il-yooce'). 

CHRIST'S KINGSHIP FORETOLD

Numbers 24:17

I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A Star will come forth from Jacob, and a Scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.

Isaiah 9:6, 7

6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

BORN KING OF THE JEWS

Born of humble birth He will be acknowledged as King by those who seek Him. First, the shepherds, of humble means themselves, will come and worship him in the stable. Then the wise men who have been watching for His appearance will see the unusual star in the night skies and go looking for this foretold King of Israel. 

When we read a little bit further in Matthew 2:16, we see that it took them two years to travel from their hometown(s) to Bethlehem, where Joseph, Mary and Jesus were currently living (v 9) until they were ready to move back home. They traveled a great distance, for immediately east of Jerusalem was the kingdom of Arabia, so we know that while they traveled through it, the wise men weren't from there. 

Having arrived at Jesus' home, the wise men brought out gifts fit for a King. To Herod they paid no such honor, not recognizing his authority. But to Jesus, quite a different story. First they were filled to overflowing with joy (v 10) and then they worshiped Him and paid Him tribute (v 11).

Matthew 2:10, 11

10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.

11. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

Of their best they gave. Of their worship they gave. Of their hearts they gave. They sacrificed their time, their energy and their earthly treasures to honor the newborn King of the Jews. 

​CONDEMNED TO DIE AS KING OF THE JEWS​

But this is not the only time Christ is spoken of as such. At such times as these He is both physically and verbally attacked, then killed.

 First He is questioned to be the King of the Jews: Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:2; John 18:33.

And then He is given the title King of the Jews by Pilate on a nameplate on the cross:

Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:25; Luke 23:38; John 19:19. 

RETURN OF THE KING IMMINENT

Having been recognized as King, denied as King, He will soon and very soon be a returning King. And while we know it is still a few years in the distance when Jesus will set up His earthly millennial reign, the time is still very short for His return. Perhaps some of us will see it, perhaps some of us will die before His return as King. But either way, ready we must be. Are you ready to meet King Jesus? Wise men still seek Him. Be wise. 

KINGSIZE MANGER by Josh Turner

MAKE ROOM by Casting Crowns

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM by Paul Overstreet

OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART by Paul Baloche

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - Sovereign Lord

 

Luke 2:27-32

27. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law,

28. Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:

29. “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.

30. For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

31. which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

32. a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel."

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 1203

Sovereign: lord, master, prince

From the Greek word 'despotés' (pronounced des-pot'-ace). Indicative of  'someone exercising "unrestricted power and absolute domination, confessing no limitations or restraints"'. One who exercises complete jurisdiction.

SOVEREIGN LORD

Matthew 28:18

Then Jesus came to them and said, "ALL AUTHORITY in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."

1 Corinthians 15:25

For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.

John 3:31

The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.

Having been bought by Christ, we, the born again believer, are under His authority, His jurisdiction. Jesus Christ is our Lord, our Master and our Prince. 

2 Peter 2:1

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Timothy 2:21

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the Master of the house, ready for every good work.

Isaiah 9:6

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.

CHRIST THE LORD

Luke 2:11

Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! 

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

John 4:25, 26

25. The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”

26. Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.”

CHRIST THE MASTER

Teacher, Chief, Commander

Luke 5:5

"Master," Simon replied, "we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets."

Luke 9:49. 50

49. “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

50. “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Luke 17:12-13

12. As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance

13. and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

CHRIST THE PRINCE

In order for there to be a Prince, there must first be a King, under whose Authority the Prince reigns. 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father's side, has made Him known.

John 6:40

"For it is My Father's will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

It is important to note that Simeon came into the temple courts, or courtyards of the temple to see The Lord's Christ. The Spirit of God said, "Go here." And at the appointed time, just as Simeon arrived, so did Joseph and Mary with their infant Jesus. 

They were all standing in the temple courtyards in front of the temple: they were standing by the East Gate in the East Courtyard: the designated place of worship, before reaching the altar of sacrifice. (Before we offer God a sacrifice, it is necessary to worship Him first, acknowledging that He is Who He says He Is, loving Him for Himself before we can know what it is we bring as an offering to Him.

It is here that Simeon blesses God, and gives a prophetic blessing over the young Jesus.

(Although, in the temple which Herod built, the courtyard was not as large as the one which was ordained of God, still they were able to meet at the place of worship together.) It is not the size of the place of worship which determines how one worships and who is being worshiped by whom, but where a worshiper's heart is. 

John 4:23, 24

23. But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.

24. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

First, we bless God for His faithfulness and keeping His promises to us. (v28)
Second, we recognize Him when we meet Him as Sovereign Lord. (v29)

Thirdly, we acknowledge that the Sovereign Lord is Savior. (v30)

Fourth, we see the revelation of God's prepared plan for us. (v 31)

Fifth, we see that this Savior is the Light of the Gentiles and the Glory of Israel. 

How beautiful the Word of God is to me! How faithful is God in His promises to us!

 HEAVEN HAS COME by Young Oceans

MY PORTION by Isla Vista

LIGHT HAS COME by Port City Worship

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - The Consolation of Israel

 

Luke 2:25, 26

25. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for The Consolation of Israel: and The Holy Ghost was upon him.

26. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen The Lord's Christ.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 3874

Consolation: a calling to one's aid, encouragement, summons, exhortation, entreaty

From the Greek word 'paraklésis' (pronounced par-ak'-lay-sis). Further meaning "personal urging, holy urging, intimate call", depending on the context of the word being used in which verse. 

{Conceived. Circumcised. Consecrated. Consolation. I love following the lead of the Holy Spirit. He leads me through the Word of God to the destination chosen for me to arrive at.} 

PARAKLESIS

Son of Encouragement: Acts 4:36

Word of Exhortation: Acts 13:15

The God of All Comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:3

Everlasting Consolation: 2 Thessalonians 2:16

CONSOLATION PROMISED

Isaiah 25:9

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.

Isaiah 66:13

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Psalm 94:19

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your Consolation delights my soul.

THE LORD'S CHRIST

The LORD God's Faithful Priest: 1 Samuel 2:35

The LORD God's Anointed One: Psalm 132:17

The LORD God's Messiah: Daniel 9:26; Matthew 1:16

The LORD's Christ: John 11:27

Have you seen The Consolation of Israel? Have you met The Lord's Christ? It's not too late. But the day is coming when, if you have not declared Him as Lord and Savior of your soul, your life, that you may not have an opportunity to change your mind and your heart. To day is the day of salvation, says The Lord, in Hebrews 3:15, "Do not harden your hearts." And again in Hebrews 4:7 "Again, he limited a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts."

The Consolation of Israel longs to be your Consoler, too. God did indeed send His only begotten Son into the world to save the world. But only the heart who believes will receive this glorious Gift of Salvation through the blood which Jesus Christ shed on the cross. It's the reason Jesus came to this earth: to save us, not to condemn us; to redeem us, not to toss us away; to befriend us, not to ignore us. 

Now is the time to give your hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. Now is the hour in which to surrender what you want for what God wants. Is this your day? 

WE WAIT FOR YOU

COME JESUS COME by Steven McWhirter

GOD REALLY LOVES US by Maverick City Music, Crowder & Dante Bowe

BELONG TO YOU by Here Be Lions

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - The Consecrated Lamb

 

Luke 2:22, 23

22. And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 

23. (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”).

First, He is conceived. Second, He is circumcised. Now He is consecrated. 

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 2564

Consecrated: to call; I call, summon, invite; I call, name

From the Greek word 'kaleó' (pronounced kal-eh'-o). To call forth, to bid (command, direct). 

CONSECRATED FIRSTBORN MALES

Exodus 13:2

"Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast."

Numbers 8:17

For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. 

By this it is our understanding that consecrate means "to set apart, be separate from". When we have a dedication ceremony, we are setting apart our firstborn sons to God's service. At it's foundational meaning consecrated means 'called out from among, called aside, called to be set apart from'. 

To fulfill the Law, after Mary's days of purification had ended, she and Joseph brought their six-week old son to the temple for His consecration, along with a pair of turtledoves.  

Leviticus 12:8

But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean. 

We know that they brought a Lamb who would one day become the Atonement for our sins, but on that day, in their poverty, all they could bring was their son and a pair of turtledoves. 

THE LAMB  OF  GOD

Leviticus 12:4, 6-8 are a type and shadow of the atoning power of God in Christ that were to come during His crucifixion. Having been set apart for God's service, first by His heavenly Father, He is again set apart for God's service by His earthly father, Joseph. A double-portion, if you will. A double blessing is His. 

John the Baptist called Him God's Lamb: John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

A perfect Lamb. An unblemished Lamb. A silent Lamb. God's Lamb. 

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

THE LAMB HAS A VOICE

Have you met the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world? He is Redeemer, Savior, Friend. He is JESUS. And He's calling you and I to step away from the world and into His embrace, His love, His light. He's calling us by name (John 10:14, 15, 27), Come. Come to Me and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28) Come and dine (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 5:6; John 7:37, 38).

And He's calling you and I to Follow Him (Matthew 4:19), to suffer with Him(1 Peter 4:1), and to carry our cross (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23, 24). That's why He came. That's why He was wrapped in flesh and laid in a manger. That's my Jesus. And I'm sticking like glue to Him. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 63:8 "My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me." 

Today, let us follow close behind Him. Let us take up our crosses and suffer for His sake, for His Name.  

LAMB OF GOD by Chris Bowater

REDEEMER, SAVIOR, FRIEND by B.C./A.D.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS by Jaime Cortez

YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL by The Gaither Vocal Band

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - He Is Called Jesus

Luke 2:21

And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 4059

Circumcise: to cut around, I cut around

From the Greek word 'peritemnó' (pronounced per-ee-tem'-no). 

Figuratively speaking, this means "Cutting off the "old life," in favor of the new which is in Christ (the Seed). This starts with being born again into God's family (personally entering His covenant)."

THE CIRCUMCISED FLESH

Genesis 17:12

Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner--even those who are not your offspring.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 4135

Circumcise: to cut off (the foreskin)

From the Hebrew word 'mul' (pronounced mool)

Being born of  woman, Christ is born under the Law. The Law requires all males to be circumcised on the eighth day. This is both a mandatory requirement to fulfill The Law of Circumcision and a shadow of things to come under The Grace of Christ. 

At the time of Abraham, when circumcision is first introduced, it is covenant between God and Abraham, Abraham's household, Abraham's seed. 

THE CIRCUMCISED HEART

However, there is another circumcision which takes place in our hearts, a circumcision which can only be done by God. A clean, pure heart from God leads to an eternity spent in His presence.

Deuteronomy 30:6

The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

Jeremiah 24:7

I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

Ezekiel 36:26, 27

36. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

37. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

THE NEW HEART

John 3:3, 5

3. Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

5. Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Psalm 24:3-5

3. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? 

4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.

5. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from the God of his salvation. 

NEW HEART, NEW NAME

With a new heart comes a new name. Though the male infants were given their new names on the day of circumcision, the born again believer receives their new name from God. While we do not yet know our new name, God has one prepared for us. In addition to that name, His Name will be written on us.

Revelation 2:17

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.

Revelation 3:12

The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.

 

As the psalmist has written, millenia before us, let this be our prayer today, as well, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

HE IS CALLED JESUS by Todd Agnew (Do You See What I See? album)

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART by Keith Green

REFINER'S FIRE by Jeremy Riddle

HE LIVES classic hymn

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - The Eyewitnesses

 

Luke 2:20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all things which they had heard and seen, as it was said to them.

Returned where? To the flock and the undershepherds. After all, someone had to stay behind and watch over the sheep when the head shepherds went to see if what the angel had told them was really true. 

The trainees couldn't go and check out this unbelievable news: they were young and inexperienced. And if it was true, the lead shepherds would have needed to see for themselves. By going on ahead, they were able to confirm that that which the angel had informed them of had indeed come to pass.

Upon their return, and more than likely, during their return, the shepherd were glorifying and praising God. They had been privileged to be invited to come and see and worship the newly born King of Israel. Now the air is filled with great joy. The undershepherds could hear them before they could see them, confirming in their ears and their hearts that such magnificent news was truth. 

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 134

Praising: to praise, I praise; to extol 

From the Greek word 'aineó' (pronounced ahee-neh'-o). To sing praises in honor of God. Used only eight times in the New Testament.

Luke 2:13, 20

Luke 19:37

Acts 2:47

Acts 3:8, 9

Romans 15:11

Revelation 19:5

These men testified of what they had heard and seen. They brought the wonderful news back to their colleagues in their work places. There would be no sleeping that night for all the wondrous descriptions of the glory of God in a manger would surely have kept them up talking for the rest of the night. Sleep could wait: the Messiah who would save Israel had arrived.

Heaven Has Come by Young Oceans

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - Treasured Words

 

Luke 2:19

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 4933 & 4820

Treasured: kept close, kept safe, kept in mind, preserved

Pondered: to consider

While the word  'ponder' has many more definitions than this, in the context of this verse, this is what that word means.

Not a hidden treasure like buried gold, but kept near the surface of thought treasure, like beautiful words which delight one's soul and are thought of often. 

TREASURED & PONDERED

What things was Mary treasuring and pondering?

Well, first of all, as soon as Jesus was born, a great and beautiful star appeared in the night sky. There were no angels above the stable to light the way, for they had disappeared back into heaven having completed their task of delivering the birth announcement to the shepherds. 

Secondly, if strangers dressed in their work clothes came to see your newborn baby and began to kneel and worship Him, I would think that their actions and words would bear repeating to one's self after they had left. And I'm sure they talked to the new Mom and Dad about the message they had been given regarding their new baby boy. That kind of excitement is impossible to contain.

When we first see Jesus, we, too are filled with an uncontainable joy and excitement. Our hunger for His presence is satisfied only when we are near Him. And come near Him, we must. He draws us to Himself with cords of Love, a love that is all encompassing. He wants to be with us even more than we want to be with Him. 
Being filled with such joy and wonder causes the love of God in Christ to pour out of us in testimony: Look what the Lord has done! See what a change He has wrought in my heart! As the psalmist wrote, "O give thanks unto the Lord! for He is good, for His mercy endures forever!" (Psalm 118:29) This I know, for He extended His mercy to me. 

THE WORD HID

His Word is hid in my heart, too. I treasure His Word. I ponder, I meditate on, His Word. Psalm 119:11 "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." I hear great and mighty things of what the Lord has done and my soul is flooded with an awestruck wonder at His power and lovingkindness towards us, towards me. 

THE WORD INSCRIBED

The Word in Matthew 6:21, says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The Word is my treasure. Therefore, the Word is in my heart. Not because I put it there through Scripture memorization, but because God through the power of His Holy Spirit, acting on my faith in His Word, inscribed His Word on my heart. It really is joy unspeakable you know. 

1 Peter 1:8, 9

8. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

9. now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Even in the midst of our trials, our sorrows, our pain, our whatever it is we are going through situations, we can have this joy, too. Only we can prevent this joy from being in us. Those who reject Christ as Lord and Savior, reject joy. They reject His peace, His love, His flawless design for their lives. The happiness they know in this life is brief and fleeting. But joy in the Lord is permanent in a believer's heart. 

Do you know this joy? Do you want to?

Joy Unspeakable  

Joy by 4 King & Country (try to watch on full screen or theater mode) 

Joy To The World by Phil Wickham

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - Spreading The Gospel Message

 

Luke 2:17, 18

17. After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. 

18. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 4487

Message: a word, the spoken-word of a living voice; thing spoken

From the Greek word 'rhéma' (pronounced hray'-mah). Most commonly used in the New Testament 'for the Lord speaking His dynamic, living word in a believer to inbirth faith'.

A new King of Israel had been born. Who got the first birth announcements? Shepherds. Blue-collar laborers who worked with their hands taking care of sheep out on the hillsides. Living near the sheep, breathing the same air as the sheep, watching over their flocks in the night. And what did they do after they got over their terror from this unexpected night visit which lit up the skies? These shepherds hurried to the city of Bethlehem, searched for the newborn child and began to praise God when they saw Him. Upon which they immediately left and began to tell everyone what they had just seen and heard. 

Something amazing  and wonderful had befallen these shepherds and they couldn't wait to tell anyone and everyone all about this wonderful new King who had been born. They were excited to spread the gospel message. Even if no one else believed them, they couldn't stop talking about Him. 

And who would believe a bunch of scruffy shepherds? Men who smelled like they'd been living outdoors among animals. Who deigned to hear what a bunch of shepherds had to say? Starting rumors about the Messiah being born in a barn? That couldn't be the Messiah all of Israel had been waiting for. The shepherds were delusional. But let them rave on about their King; who's going to believe them anyway? 

Perhaps, if it had only been shepherds who saw Jesus, who heard angels, the story would have eventually faded away. But we know that didn't happen. Here it is 2022, nearly 2000 years since He first arrived in Bethlehem and people are still talking about Jesus Christ the Messiah of the whole world. People are still spreading the gospel message after receiving it. People are still hearing voices sing praises to the Most High King of Kings. 

I'm one of those people. I'm a servant, a praiser, a worshiper, a seeker, and a finder. 

I'm here to tell you about God's only begotten Son Jesus Christ, whom He sent to this earth to deliver both Jews and non-Jews from the bonds of sin and oppression. 

God's plan of salvation began in the garden of Eden and it will end when God's enemies are destroyed at the end of this world. Not a fairy tale. Not a story. Fact. 

Genesis 3:15

 "And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

Romans 16:20

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

John 3:16-18

16. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

17. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

18. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

And what is the prayer of we who preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified for those who have yet to believe? "Lord, save them, deliver them, bring them near to Your heart. Open their eyes to see You that they may open their hearts to receive You. As Your Word says in Revelation 3:20, You stand at the door of our hearts and knock, hoping someone will let You in. This we pray: that someone will let You into their hearts, giving You control, handing You the reins to lead and direct us, over our lives. Whatever it takes, Lord, whatever it takes. We pray Your will be done in their lives."

In Jesus' Beautiful Name,

Amen

I SPEAK JESUS by Here Be Lions

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - Seeking Jesus

 

Luke 2:15, 16

15. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 

16. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 429

Found: to find out; I find by seeking out

From the Greek word 'aneuriskó' (pronounced an-yoo-ris'-ko)

SEEKING JESUS

Before we can find Jesus, we have to want to find Him. 

The cry of the heart is, "Show me Jesus!" It is a gut-wrenching cry, a pitiful sound that God hears and then sends someone to show the Way, to be the Light that shines into the darkness and leads that person crying out for Jesus to see Jesus.

Matthew 2:1, 2

1.  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.

Wise men. Wise men came from a far distance seeking the newborn King. Are we wise men? We have come from a far distance, too. After all, Jesus came a long way to meet us: all the way from heaven, a place so vast and distant we cannot comprehend its entirety in our own human understanding. 

Darkness is separated from Light. The distance there is a chasm so deep and wide that one can only cross it by believing on the Name of  The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. 

To cross this chasm one must first see clearly the cross where Jesus died for us; and second, walk through the blood that it may be applied to us and go beyond the cross, to position one's self behind it. "Hide me behind the cross, Lord." And He does. 

LONGING FOR GOD'S PRESENCE

Our journey here is short, though our days may appear to be long, years quickly fly by. Yet in these days we yearn for the eternal presence of God. Our hearts, now filled with His Word, but not replete, hunger with an even greater hunger for God: to be near Him, to see Him.

Isaiah 26:9

My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Psalm 63:1

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

Luke 10:23, 24

23. Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 

24. For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

LISTEN TO OUR HEARTS 

NOT FOUND

Not Found By The Unbeliever

Not everyone who seeks for, looks for, will find Jesus. Because their hearts are not in the right place when they go looking for Him. Only they who seek Jesus with a desire to know Him fully will find Him. But people who seek Jesus to destroy Jesus will never find Him; for their hearts are not sincere in seeking Him out. 

Luke 2:3-18 describes the secret intent of King Herod, who wanted to kill the new baby King.

The people who do not believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation will never find Him.

John 7:34

"You will seek Me and will not find Me; and where I am, you are not able to come."

Not Found By The Believer

And when Jesus spoke on this subject with His disciples, He reiterated what He had said to the Jews earlier.

John 13:33

Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’Where Jesus went in His death, the believer cannot go in their death. For in death Jesus Christ conquered death and the grave. There is now no more death and grave for the believer in Christ. Death is swallowed up in Victory (1 Corinthians 15:54; Isaiah 25:8). Therefore, the believer cannot go to death and the grave! 

So, we must ask ourselves and search our hearts: Why are we seeking Jesus? What is our motive? On which side of the coin are we hoping to find Him? 

SEEK FIRST

THE MORE IS SEEK YOU

 

Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - Come And See

 

Luke 2:10, 11

10. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:

11. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! "

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 2097

Good News: announce, herald; good tidings; refers to sharing the full Gospel of Christ; preach the gospel.

From the Greek word 'euaggelizó' (pronounced yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo), which means evangelize: proclaim the Lord's good tidings. 

What is this Good News being proclaimed? Verse 11 tells us plainly that the Savior had been born, that He is Christ the Lord. Where? In the city of David: Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Come to Bethlehem. Come to the Christ. Come and see. 

COME AND SEE

When the disciples first began to follow Jesus, Philip went and got his friend Nathanael.

John 1:45, 46

45. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, she went into her town and called the townspeople to:

John 4:29, 30

29. “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

30. So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus.

The call to Come and See Jesus still rings out across the globe today. People from every nation and tribe, every culture, every language are not only being called to Come and See Jesus, but are themselves proclaiming the Good, Good News:

"Come and See the Savior of the world! Come and Hear the Faithful and True Word of God!"

THE GOOD GOOD NEWS

Luke 24:47, 48

47. And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,

48. and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:43

"All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name."

Acts 17:30

Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.

GOD CALLS SINNERS 

Matthew 9:13

"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 5:32

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

1 Timothy 1:15

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 

I answered the call to Come and See several decades ago. But only within the last couple of decades have I truly known the urge to extend this call to anyone within earshot of wherever I am speaking (or writing). 

The call to Come and See Jesus is an urgent call, a begging, beseeching, heart-wrenching call to Come and See Jesus. 

Come To The Well by Casting Crowns

Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship

Come And Dine Gary Chapman

Come and See Jesus. Come and Hear The Faithful And True Word of God. Come and receive Him. Before it's too late.