(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.
Good morning dear friends, I pray to find you in good spirits this season.
Well it’s that time again isn’t it? Tis’ the season for decorating and arranging, for hustle and bustle, for planning and shopping, for preparing and gathering with family, friends, and loved ones. Someone say- “Let the festivities begin!”
Such a beautiful idea, and although this is the occasion and true for many people throughout the entire world, we would be naive to think that these are the feelings and emotions for every person in this season. The truth is, there are many people who struggle with this season and who count it as anything but joy. To many people, all they see is the season for chaos and stress! See, unfortunately not everyone has had the same experiences in life, and not everyone shares the joy of the Christmas season as we would hope.
For some people, the demand for Gifts and shopping fills their minds with stress and anxieties as they would be glad just to be able to pay the utility bills and keep food on the table. For others, the reality of a broken home and broken relationships burdens the heart to the point that not even the prettiest lights have an effect on the sadness of the heart. For others it’s a very difficult time because of the grief from the loss of a loved one that will not be joining the festivities this year with them.
Maybe this is you today… Dear friends, these are all realities that many people around us are experiencing in life while laughter, fun, and songs of joy surround them… But today we are offered HOPE, PEACE, JOY, & LOVE. But not just the kind the world has to offer. In fact, It’s much better! I’m talking about the kind that came down from heaven for all who would believe, receive, and follow Him.
(John 3:16-17) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
See, the truth is, No matter how many smiles, fun and Laughter we share, every one of us, if we’re honest, are truly broken deep down inside apart from God. Every one of us is searching For authentic HOPE, PEACE, JOY, & LOVE. Many of us have found it, or should I say HIM. For many others, the offer still stands today. The Bible says that True Love came down from Heaven. In a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths more than likely in an animal water trough is where we can find true- HOPEPEACE- JOY- LOVE! The kind that comes from Heaven.
(Luke 2:18-14 NKJV) Says-8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Dear friends, it’s only as we focus on the true reason for the season that we get to truly see this entire season from a whole new light and Enjoy it for what it really is. And not only for this season, but He offers Himself as the one Who will fill every void of your life with Himself. My only question for you this day is this – Will you let Jesus Christ be your PRINCE OF PEACE?
Prayer- Father, Thank you for Jesus who came into the world to forgive me of my sins and to save me from hell, sin, and death. I believe in His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus will you be my Savior, my Lord, and my Prince of Peace. Will you flood my heart with your Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. And will you empower me with your Holy Spirit that I may live a life pleasing to you. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen.
With Love, Pastor Billy Montes
(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)