Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: What A Relief

And when he saw their faith, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." (Luke 5:20)

Often with festivities it is a chance to reconcile with those who we have hurt or may have hurt us. The guilt and heaviness of ruined relationships or harbouring resentment for the hurt that’s been caused can weigh us down. Celebrating Christ at this time involves remembering Him in how He reconciled the human family into a right relationship with God and each other. Those powerful words ‘your sins are forgiven’ can mean so much for those weighted down for so long, and the relief it can cause is a more than a justifiable reason to celebrate.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Good News Expressed

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18, 19)

Celebrating the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ – is about what that baby ‘in a manger’ would grow to fulfil. This good news had particular impact in a society of bad news with oppression and depression on every side from without and within. With broken promises and false hope a part of life’s experiences it would be understandable to be somewhat sceptical or cynical at the offer. This, though, was not just spin to get people onside. These were words with effect – as seen millions of lives since He spoke these words – all the more reason to celebrate.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Fatherly Seal Of Approval

The Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you." (Luke 2:22)

The Son that we celebrate at this time of year may have been born of the Virgin Mary, but was also gifted from a loving Father. He starts His mission with a blessing from His Father. As we celebrate the Son we are also invited to relationship with Him and the Father who offers acceptance and inclusion in His family. As children we don’t do anything to earn His love but as an expectant parent He longs to welcome us back into His loving arms and hear Him say the same words He showered on His beloved Son.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Believing Before Seeing

He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation (Luke 2:28-30)

Imagine the scene – a baby brought in according to the law’s customs; then someone lifts the child and celebrates the greatness of … a baby! We don’t always live to see the benefits of the investments we make in people’s lives. Yet sometimes it is just by using the gift of faith and vision to imagine the joy of that which will take place even before it happens that is worth celebrating. In a day and age of seeing before believing this episode highlights just how exhilarating it can be to rejoice in believing before seeing.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Good News From The Beginning

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

At this time of year many remember the birth of the Messiah and the reasons for such celebration. This celebration also remembers His amazing life that inspired others to live a similar life of love for others. It commemorates His birth, purpose, death and miraculous resurrection that would allow others to experience new life to the full. Over two millennia later, and two billion people in the world celebrate this good news. It is just as exciting now as it was then, and this glorious gift of the good news of Jesus is freely available to all people at anytime.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd