First of all, MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at TheCityofHope Devotional
Text - Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.””
Hallelujah. What a word. That’s what the angels sang when Jesus was born!
They rejoiced at His appearing - they rejoiced at the coming of the Holy One of God. When Jesus was born, heaven rejoiced. What does this mean for us?
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world)”” Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Jesus was born in a manger - as a baby - not a king but there was great rejoicing in heaven and on earth. The small beginnings were not despised. The angels rejoiced, shepherds rejoiced, wise men rejoiced, Mary and Joseph rejoiced, and we too should rejoice. Why should we rejoice?
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT
We rejoice because we are certain (confident, sure) that the God who began the work which seems insignificant will complete it by His mighty power.
Jesus, who was born just as a baby in a manger, is now the savior of the world. The work God has begun in your life will end up glorious because He does all things well.
Your end will be glorious even though things don’t seem like it.
Jesus faced a lot of hardship but in the end, He saw the result of all He lived for. The Bible says that He endured the cross and despised the shame because of the joy that was before Him (Hebrews 12:2). We also should have that same mind that was in Christ Jesus. This season, let us rejoice, let us celebrate and shout hallelujah because God, who is our father, will see to it that He finishes what He started.
Hallelujah.
Merry Christmas again. Cheers to an amazing celebration for you and yours.