“Fall on your knees, oh, hear the angel voices
O night divine, the night when Christ was born
O night divine, o night, o night divine”
Christmas morning is just around the corner. This season of advent is coming to an end and we will once again pick up the pieces and venture into the end of 2015 and the beginning of a new year. Before we do that let’s take the time to remember. Remembering is such an important aspect of our lives with the Lord.
Tonight we are remembering that God interrupted history to become “ one of us.” He came at the perfect time and did the perfect thing for us. He sent his son to become our much needed savior and He broke the chains that held us captive. This is a good time to remember what Jesus said when He was teaching in the temple. The NLT says it this way in Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.”
Jesus quoted from Isaiah 61. He told his listeners that He came to fulfill the promises that God set in motion for His people. Their Messiah appeared and they were able to hear His voice and touch Him. They saw the miracles and watched as He began to prove to them that the long awaited moment was upon them. If only we could step back in time and see that baby born, if only we could watch Him grow up and begin to appear in the temple, on the hillsides, in the boat, and at the shore. If only we were there at that moment to truly embrace the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.
We can’t go back except in our imagination, but we can embrace this very moment in time tonight. We are on the eve of this holy night when all things were changed forever. Jesus entered the world as a helpless baby and became the man who interrupted history to give us everything. For just a few moments, let that sink in. He came to set you free, to restore your sight, and to heal your broken heart. Each day we have the opportunity to remember His goodness and to come closer to the heart of God. He is our redeemer and He brings us peace and rest, as we trust Him.
“O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
Thank you Lord for all that you have done for us, for creating us and loving us. Let this evening be the beginning of a new season. The beginning of a time in our lives when we embrace life with you in a deeper way. Draw us close to your heart and help us to stay on the path with you, trusting you with everything.
Thank you so much for sharing this with the HKC community. It is wonderful Alicia! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Mary for giving me the opportunity to do that. I love writing devotionals so it was a huge blessing to me.. Wishing you and your family a wonder filled Christmas!
Thank you, dear Alicia, your words speak live and truth and light… And draw us deeper into the heart of our Savior.
May Christ fill you anew at this new beginning, holding you close as you walk the path with Him.❤️
Thank you Suz.. so thankful to God for giving me words of life through His Spirit.
Reblogged this on Praying for the millennials.
Thanks so much!
Alicia, I echo your prayer that “this be the beginning of embracing life in Him more deeply”.
Christmas Blessings ~ Wendy
I desire that more everyday.. this has been a year of God humbling me so that I will see my need for Him in a greater way.. Blessings to you and yours Wendy!
What a wonderful devotional and your art page is perfect. Thank you for the inspiration you gave to me. Christmas blessings, Teresa
Thank you so much Teresa! Blessings to you and your family on Christmas.. Alicia
Thank you for another beautiful post Alicia. Merry Christmas.
You’re welcome Merry Christmas to you and your family..Blessings, Alicia
Beautiful, dear cousin Alicia.
Oh Holy Night is my favorite carol — singing it year after year since grammar school. Your phrase “RENEWAL, RESTORATION, REFRESHMENT, REST” will be my mantra for 2016. And I’m pledging to deepen my spiritual practice — a “tonic” for the ailments and challenges of being 72. A blessed New Year to you and your family,
Love, Karen
I am so glad you found my blog Karen.. and that you love this Christmas carol!.. Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment and I wish you a wonderful New Year and many deep experiences with our Creator during 2016.. love you, Alicia
Reblogged this on Alicia's Roses and commented:
I wrote this several years ago and just came across it this morning.. Thought I would post it again.. still true
Thank you again, Alicia, God’s timing is so beautiful and awe-inspiring. God bless you, wrapping you completely in his comfort.
you are welcome Suz.. God is so good.