Do You Hear What I Hear? ~Today is the Day!

            "Away in a Manger"

Today is the Day!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season. 

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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." ~Luke 2:9-11

Music: "Away in a Manger"

"Away in a Manger" instrumental piano

Meditation: "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." ~Galatians 4:4-7

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." ~Ephesians 5:8-10

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." ~Galatians 5:1

"What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 
    "I will live with them
    and walk among them, 
and I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.'"  ~2 Corinthians 6:16

"'The LORD bless you 
    and keep you; 
the LORD make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.'" ~Numbers 6:24-26

The sweet sounds of "Away in a Manger" being sung by young and old alike at a beautiful Christmas Eve service. 

The vision of young children donning costumes and bathrobes in order to depict the scene of Christ's humble arrival on earth. 

I have a tough time separating the music from the message, the message from the music. The music has the power to bring us the Message.

Let the miracle of the Message of our Messiah warm our hearts today and every day. Jesus wants to be at the forefront of our minds today and every day. Let Him in. 

There is so much more to Jesus' story than the manger and the cross. Let us get to know Him. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." ~Revelation 4:20

This Christmas--and every day--Let Jesus in!

In case you have time to stay and worship our Triune God a little longer, I am including a few praise and worship songs to help us reflect on the eternal impact of the precious gift in the manger: 

"Lord, I Need You" by Chris Tomlin

"Love of God" by Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham

"Amazing Grace" provides a wonderful opportunity to worship any time of year. 

Almighty God, Thank You!

Thank You for welcoming us into Your Family. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Help us learn to delight in You. Help us take time to truly get to know You and to live each day for You, Yahweh. May we submit to Your Holy Spirit each day of the year so that You may be glorified. In Jesus' Name.  Amen.


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