House of Hope Online

December 24, 2023

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I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas this year and to share a few scriptures with you.  I pray these scriptures speak to you today and every day.

Luke 2:

 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Receive that good news – that today is the day our Savior was born, Christ the Lord.  He was born to save us from evil, from condemnation, and from eternal damnation.  Hallelujah!!

Not only has He come to save us, but we have been discussing in recent weeks that Jesus is the True Light of Life who has come into our world to illuminate our way, reveal all things, and to impart life to us.  I think it is so important, in the days we are living in, to understand that truth and to take full advantage of the fact that He came to enlighten us and to show us the way we should go in all circumstances.  Here is the scripture where John defines Jesus as the True Light:

John 1:

 9 There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name,

 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

It is sad that some will not receive Him, but to those who accept Him in their hearts, to them He gave the right to become children of God.  As we have said in previous sessions, we are all created by God, but we do not become a child of God unless and until we receive Jesus in our heart.  Let us pray this Christmas, as we receive gifts from loved ones, that many more will receive the gift of True Light and learn the truth of God’s Word that we must confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead as a sacrifice for our sin.

As you remember the Lord’s birth this year, recall that His name is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

Matthew 1:

23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.”

He also came to the world to be with us.  He is with us as we walk through the trials of this life.  He is here through health challenges.  He is with us during sadness.  His word promises in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” 

He is with us today by the Holy Spirit, who speaks words of life into us as the devil tries to discourage us and make us feel unworthy.  He is with us to whisper into our spirits: “My blood has made you worthy.” 

Let us give glory to Him today and every day, and let us sing as the angels did:

Luke 2:

 14 “Glory to God in the Highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Father God, thank You for the city of David and the birth of our Savior, Jesus!  Thank You that He is our True Light, who came into the world to enlighten us during these challenging times.  Thank You that He is Immanuel, “God with us,” and He is here to encourage us and help us through all circumstances.  He comforts us when we mourn, and He lifts us up when we are weary.  We say as the multitude of heavenly hosts did:  Glory to God in the highest!  Amen.