December 2016 Words of Life (Week 2)

The greatest gift wasn't placed under a tree, but He was hung on a tree!

Joe’s devotion below was in the White House Connection newspaper this week!

Christmas – What is the TRUE Meaning?

It’s that time of year again. December has come, and with it all the joys of the Holidays. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets?  Is this really Christmas?

No! This is not what Christmas is about.  It is about the birth of Jesus Christ.  He was born with a purpose, to bring truth, love, and hope to all mankind.  In John 3:17 it says that He did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it.  The Greek word for save in this scripture is sozo and it means rescuing those who would believe in Him from the penalty and power of sin and have them experience His provisions – (safe, healed, delivered, whole).  In order for the world to be healed and made whole, individuals need to be healed and made whole in their body, soul and spirit. Jesus is the only one who can truly bring healing and restoration to all three parts of our life – see 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12.

We know according to God’s Word in John 1:11-12, John 3:16 and Acts 4:12 that true salvation can only be experienced in Jesus Christ.  In John 10:9-10 Jesus says He is the door for salvation (healing and wholeness) and that Satan is the one who steals, kills and destroys. He wants us to know that there is no lasting health and wholeness outside of Himself.  John 1:1 says that Jesus is the Word. If He is the Word and there is no lasting health and wholeness outside of Jesus, then health and wholeness come through the Word, who is Jesus. That is why Psalm 119:105 says that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path.  Then in Proverbs 4:20-23, it says that His Word is healing to our flesh. In Psalm 107:19-20 it says, they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses.  He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

If you are a Believer, the healing of your body, soul and spirit begins with you choosing to walk in agreement and in alignment with God’s Word. In order to walk in alignment with His Word, you must know what He says. Therefore, you need to be in His Word daily so He can lead and guide you into all truth (John 16:13, John 8:31-32, Psalm 32:8).

If you are not yet a Believer, cry out to God to save your soul. The Word tells us that God loves us and desires that we know Him and walk with Him (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Tim 2:3-4, Ezekiel 33:11).  If you seek Him with your whole heart you will find Him (Romans 10:13, Luke 11:9-13, Isaiah 45:22, Deuteronomy 4:29).  This is the true meaning behind Christmas; knowing Jesus as your Savior, Lord, Healer, Deliverer, and Provider.  For He is the Lord, the God of all flesh and nothing is too difficult for Him – Jeremiah 32:27.

I trust you will look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to rededicate your life to Jesus and follow Him by getting into His Word. Or, if you have never invited Jesus into your heart this is the year to ask Him in and follow Him in His Word.  You will then know the true meaning of Christmas. The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.  Rejoice – Jesus Truly Is The Reason For The Season!

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