Christmas is a matter of eternal worship. It is eternity come to temporal society. It is the heavens and earth that meets. It is the worship that continues from generation to generation. From the beginning of Genesis to Christmas and on until the second coming of Messiah to the earth for the joy of the world. It is the song of the praises of the Redeemer that is sung in glory in the ages to come for eternity.
The book of Revelations chapter 7 reveals the drama of the woman who gives birth to a son, whom Satan seeks to destroy, but this Son is the only one worthy to unroll the scrolls, to break the seals, to bring about the conclusion of life on this earth, and to continue eternal life in the presence of the Lamb of God and also the Father who planned yours and my salvation.
As Erick Hagg wrote,
"There are strange ways of serving God' Y
ou sweep a room or turn a sod,
And suddenly to your surprise,
You hear the whir of Seraphim.
And find you are under God's own eyes.
And building palaces for Him."
Elizabeth and Mary were bearing and rearing children for the Almighty. This conviction that they were working together with God caused them to see visions of better things to come. The redeemer who was anticipated was long promised by the prophets. The awaiting of the Messiah was the longing of each Jew. It is Christ's throne that will reign forever and ever.
Back in 1978 Judi and I had the privilege of visiting London and walked around the infamous Westminster Abby. What surprised me were many graves of famous and unknown persons right in under the floor of the church. One such grave was the tomb of George Friderik Handel. He began his music career as an organist in his homeland of Germany. He wrote many successful Italian operas, but was invited to London and received fame there. He wrote oratorios, music like operas only without drama, costumes and staging. The works were mostly from Biblical themes.
In 1741 He was sent bundles of papers by Charles Jennens, a would-be financer whose text was taken directly from the Bible. Jennens had skillfully assembled Old and New Testament quotations into a stirring narrative of Christ's birth, sacrifice, and resurrection. He called the piece “Messiah”. It began with a prophecy from Isaiah promising deliverance to people who walked in darkness: "Comfort ye, Comfort ye, my people" Here were words of peace so simple and familiar that they seemed to dramatically move Handel to deep inspiration. He composed the oratorio in 23 days. It had given him hope again from a depressed state.
The first performance in Dublin in 1742 moved the audience to tears. Reviewers were ecstatic. The profits of the performance went to charities helping hospitals and infirmaries and 142 prisoners were freed from prison after the Messiah paid their paupers debts.
Many preachers in England opposed its performance because they didn't think the text of the Bible should be used for entertainment, but when King George II heard the oratorio for the first time, he could not contain his enthusiasm. As trumpets rang out in the great Hallelujah chorus, he rose to his feet and the rest of the audience followed his lead. To this day, when the joyous strains of this chorus are heard, audiences stand.
What moved him was the eternal message of the one who came to Bethlehem. The one of whom Isaiah wrote of His coming. The one of whom Mary sang, "His mercy is from generation to generation” and the Apostle John, with the revealed message of the resurrected Lord, now has Him beautifully pictured in the glorification of the heavenlies and proclaiming the coming again of Jesus Christ. “He shall reign forever and ever.” Christmas is forever, for the message of God's coming to earth to redeem us, is the forever message of peace to all who believe and receive His works and mercy.
Application: What applications this season might we take from this story? So as to realize that Christmas is real, I must ask is God real today in your life. He is ready to do His marvelous work. Do you have this hope of eternal life which He came to buy for you?
Christmas is fellowship. Are you able to share with others the joys and sorrows of the workings of life and God? Have you found someone with whom you can open up and pray and support? If not, then I encourage you to do so.🤔 We have people who have already agreed to meet as schedules allow on a regular basis whether in a ladies group, or men's group, or mixed group, or singles group. Let me know.
Christmas is faith. Do you see the extent to which God has sought to carry out His salvation and redemption? This is the season your faith can be shared. There are people ready to receive Jesus as their Savior. Tell someone of His great love and how He has saved your life. Ask them if they have that same experience and show them how, or invite them to church.
Lastly, Christmas is forever. As we enter this season, it is a small flavor of the praise for the great Love of our God. now and forever.
Prayer: Lord, this Christmas let me see it's reality in everything and be Your vessel to others. I love You Lord. Thank You for this miraculous birth we celebrate this week.
