Some two thousand years ago, God came down to and enter into creation to be our Savior. That alone is an incredible thing to think about, but what's more amazing is the result of His coming. He would begin a work to redeem and secure, to himself, a portion of His own creation. People from every tribe, nation, and tongue are being redeemed from the power of darkness, for His glory. His grace will be known across all creation, and among all people. Those who were once rebels will sing His praise. How amazing a thing that is. That our God can and will cause us, who were once His rebels and enemies, to not just love Him but long for His coming and sing His praises. That's the power of a new heart within us. One that is spiritually alive and soft - made malleable by and for the Lord.
Let His grace be always on our minds, and let us praise Him for His goodness this Christmas Day. Just as He came once many years ago, He will return soon, but this time to judge and rule.
"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased."
I hope you have a great Christmas.
If you've read much of what I've posted here in the past, you'd see a common topic repeated. I tend to write a little more frequently about the Puritans and their theology than contemporary Christians or authors, because of my admiration of them.
Not all of them have the same theology, and some did shameful things. They are generally considered in a very negative light by most people, but there were many great and godly Puritans who lived some amazing lives. Those that had a love for God and His people left us with some tremendous insight to glean from.
If you've been following along, how has your time been? Technically today is the beginning of Week 2. However, Gabby and I started a week earlier since we'll be traveling part of the week before Christmas and also, since Christmas is on a Tuesday, week 4 would be short. So here's week 3, in case you may be on the path as us.
The first week was on our Sinful condition, while week 2 was a look over the promises of a Savior given to ancient Israel. This week we're looking at Jesus's claims about Himself and His new covenant. As you read through these reflect on the majesty and grace of God as "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He
purposed in Him." (Eph 1:9)
Some two thousand years ago, God came down to and enter into creation to be our Savior. That alone is an incredible thing to think about, but what's more amazing is the result of His coming. He would begin a work to redeem and secure, to himself, a portion of His own creation. People from every tribe, nation, and tongue are being redeemed from the power of darkness, for His glory. His grace will be known across all creation, and among all people. Those who were once rebels will sing His praise. How amazing a thing that is. That our God can and will cause us, who were once His rebels and enemies, to not just love Him but long for His coming and sing His praises. That's the power of a new heart within us. One that is spiritually alive and soft - made malleable by and for the Lord.