" 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us' " (Matthew 1:23).
His Birth in History."...that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of~~~He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate~~~God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord's birth was an advent~~~the appearance of God in human form.
His Birth in Me. "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you..." (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a "Bethlehem" for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth.
"You must be born again" (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God.
The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that "Christ is formed" in me. And once "Christ is formed" in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.
God Evident in the Flesh. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Debbie
xoxoxo
Thank you for reminding us what Christmas is all about, Debbie! It makes me sad to think so much is lost in the hustle and bustle and commercialism of the season. I know I am guilty of that, anyway. Your home is just gorgeous and so sparkly-festive:) Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeletehugs
So true Deb, thanks for reminding me! Love your home for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Debbie. xo
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I love the whole of Christmas. All of it but well maybe not the crowds so much. But when it is all done, there is nothing like a humble simple Christmas with the ones we love and love us. Wishing you a very Mery Christmas Debbie. Love you so much, Susie
ReplyDeleteSuch a reminder of the reason.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, beautiful home inspiration.
A beautiful Christmas
Xx
Dore
Thank you very much for reminding me! Your Christmas ornaments are fairy and your home looks just gorgeous. Again...Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses
Alessandra
This was a beautiful post. Merry Christmas from my house to yours!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas as told through your photo essay of your beautiful home. A very special post I will revisit again. Wishing a Merry Christmas to you and your family.,May the light of love shine bright in the New Year.
xo,
Vera
Dear Debbie, your words ring so true for the season and the reason for our very celebration. Thank you for sharing the meaning of Christmas and the blessing our Savior was sent here to give us.
ReplyDeleteYour home is lovely and reflects the spirit of the holiday.
So glad I got to meet you this year and I look forward to many more visits in the new year.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Love and Blessings!
Thanks for this lovely post! May you have a blessed Christmas and a very happy new year!
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