Twas the Night Before Christmas

Intro:

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

How awesome is a child's Christmas? I’m not at all in favor of dashing a child's dream. they barely get any childhood anymore so when you find a child that still believes you should marvel at it. because they possess an innocence that will soon dissipate.

But think back when you were a kid and you would wait for Santa to come. I can still remember the feeling of anticipation when I would go to bed Christmas Eve and then Santa would come. I could barely sleep. My Adrenalin pulsating through my veins as I await the arrival of Santa.

Remember that feeling?

That is how 1st century Jews felt about Messiah. When will he come? What will He look like? Will He be a mighty military leader? A servant? What will He do first? The young woman pregnant wondering if they possess the messiah? The young men longing to fight along His side in battle. this anticipation this excitement was palpable in 1st century Judea.

Where is our Anticipation?

Where is our Anticipation for a move of God? For a visit from the Messiah?

Luke 2:25–38 NIV

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

So much of our Christian walk is hindered by the idea that we know who the saviour is and that steals the anticipation. We know what the gift is? It’s novelty wheres off if we let it? If we do not rekindle that fire daily then that excitement will slowly wain.

And we know who the messiah is! It’s natural for that to wain. for us to get used to it if you will.

Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Christ. the Beloved one. Our redemption.

You cannot anticipate the past!

I’m so excited for what happened yesterday! LOL that's Crazy! You cannot anticipate last week unless you possess a delorian. But my friends Christmas was just the beginning! Hallelujah.

Christmas Made the Way

Crucifixion made way for A resurrection. A Resurrection made way for an Ascension. and an Ascension is making way for a Return!

What?

Follow me in this:

WE Celebrate the miracle and wonder of Christmas. The virgin birth. God made flesh. The Incarnation. Emmanuel! God with us!

We praise God for the Crucifixion and Resurrection that paid our debt and made way for Redemption.

But we anticipate His soon coming Return!

Christmas points to the second Coming! The Promise that God is still with us, and that He is not finished with you and I!

Praise the Name of Jesus Today Church! He is not done with you!

Seek and Anticipate Christ

\WE should both Anticipate His return and Seek him Now!

Join Me this December in both Seeking Jesus and anticipating his Return all while Celebrating His Glorious and Wondrous birth!

I have sent you a link to your phone that will take you to a bible app study called Anticipating Christmas. Join me this week as we read through these scriptures to begin preparing our hearts for his Return!

So this Christmas let us Celebrate His wonders and anticipate His Arrival. Let us actively Seek Jesus this season.

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.