The Whole Story
Read This Week: Luke 2
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:4-7 NIV
Christmas often gets the greatest attention. It is the most palpable time of the year for the believer in Jesus and those who claim no religious affiliation. Easter is widely celebrated, to be sure, but it is not on the level of the Advent season in terms of acceptance and observance. People worldwide will sing spiritual songs, be more generous than at any other time, and even attend a church gathering where the message of salvation is shared and the Scriptures are read. One such Scripture is Luke chapter 2. This passage can be quoted by the secular and sacred alike. For some, it will be the only biblical passage they will ever hear.
This is an interesting fact about Christmas and these Bible verses because Luke writes the longest Gospel and most extended narrative in the New Testament. Yet, he describes Jesus’ birth in straightforward, short terms. In chapter 2, twenty verses cover the incarnation and its surrounding events. However, starting in chapter 22 with the betrayal by Judas, the author dedicates three chapters and one hundred seventy-nine verses to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Perhaps this tells us something about the overall narrative of God.
It could be that we are careful not to treat the birth of Christ as if it were the beginning. If we see Jesus’ birth as just the start of the Savior, then we will miss the significance of what the Lord ordained in eternity past and what He did after Bethlehem. Jesus’ birth is not merely the opening of the story. It’s a supernatural occurrence within it, a pivotal moment in the complete story of God. It was the time in the metanarrative when Immanuel was with us; therefore, the virgin birth cannot be contained to a moment in history. It is a moment for eternity.
Seeing Christmas in light of the whole story of God makes it more joyous, promising, and hopeful. It isn’t just joy for a short time; it is joy complete in Christ for all time. It isn’t just peace on earth for a sliver of a moment but eternal peace in heaven. It isn’t just a promise for one day; it is a promise for every day. It isn’t just hoping for a season; it is hope forever. So let’s give Christmas the attention it deserves as an impactful moment in the grand narrative of God’s glory and redemption.
God brought my attention to Luke 2:49. “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” And He said to me: “Often people will not know or understand what we do together, so be patient and full of my Grace with them. We do what we do and are super successful at it.”
As I think about that, I realize that often I don’t know or understand what God is doing, and other times I partially understand what he is doing. Usually, in the end, I look back, understand much more, and am always grateful for what he does. This is part of learning to trust God in all things for me. Also, I am learning to have patience for others, and to be an example, as I represent God to them. And finally, when I do trust in the Lord and represent him well, I know that we were always super successful together, and I’d much rather do things with God that on my own.
Happy Birthday, Jesus. I hope you feel our love and are enjoying the celebration.
https://youtu.be/WHUOKc3isqA
This so precious
It’s Jesus birthday
Let’s sing to Him on Christmas
It’s all about Him
We love you Jesus thank you for all Your ❤️
Happy Birthday Jesus
Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared
with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
So how can we bless Jesus for His birthday and everyday? Praise Him, Share the good news Jesus, talk to Him (prayer) sing to Him, tell Him what is on your heart because He is listening, Love Him with your whole heart, love others for Him, wake up and talk to Him and listen to Him, thank Him for everything, get a journal just for writing to Him and about Him, that’s what life is all about for sure.
God was saying to me
I did it all for you and everyone, keep your focus on what Christmas is all about, Jesús! It’s all about love, Love us and love others, make sure everyone knows where all blessings come from, us!
keep spreading the good news because someone will be blessed!
what this means to me is
We know what Christmas is all about, but not everybody celebrates His Birthday, a lot of people give attention to santa clause.
For me I know who blesses me, I get what I need, it’s from Jesus not a man who got hired by someone who does not really know me, can’t help me, does not really know what God is going to bless me with, the list goes on!
Thank you Father God for Jesus, He is our blessing, the best gift of all!
wow, Then you blessed us with Favor and peace too! WOW thank you so
love you,
your girl
This week has been a blessing It’s Jesus Birthday week. Happiest Birthday Jesus. I have a song this week in Luke 2
Peace
Let’s come together to worship by Lord Let’s come together to worship our Lord singing hallelujah hallelujah we honor you We are blessed blessed above all we have peace on earth peace in our hearts. Knowing our Lord works everything out we believe trusting in our King thanking you thanking you our lord you sacrificed your life for us we want a loving heart like you Lord spreading your peace on earth showing others your love let’s come together to worship our Lord Let’s come together to worship, Lord, singing hallelujah hallelujah you are our king amen.
It’s a wonderful blessing knowing our lord gives us peace. We never have to be alone our Lord is with us, it’s about asking and talking to our Lord Amen Thank you Lord and Happy Birthday
This Week in the Life: Luke 2
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and the second song.
1. Sunday Worship: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-1224-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-1224-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-1224-Worship2.wav
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God focused my attention on Luke 2: 11 (AMPC)
11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!
What God said to me is:
“Imagine the day – the excitement – the wonder- the passion- the sheer elation of my son being born. Not born to be praised, but born to be a savior and give unending love. I want you to try to capture that feeling with Me and let it exude from your very being and onto others. If you ever need a focal point think of this my son. You will be centered and full of love.”
I think of being in the actual time and the actual moment when finding out Jesus has been born; imagine how beautiful of a time that must have been. By knowing God we get to experience that elation with God every single day if we so choose. God is there to give us that excitement of being with Him and seeing the path that has been paved for us from so many centuries ago. If we ever need to be recentered with God then we can think of the sheer excitement of his coming to earth as our savior. Hallelujah!