As we face this Christmas season, I really want to express how valuable the Word of God is to us all. Jesus was sent to Earth to bring the saving Word of God to all mankind. Jesus is the Word. He IS the Promised Messiah, Savior, Healer, Deliverer and King. Today, He has become the fulfillment of the law and we recognize that He IS our all in all. In Luke 2, God told the priest, Simeon, that he would not die until he has seen the Lord’s Christ. When Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to present him to God (as all Jewish boys were at 9 days of age), He was circumcised and dedicated for God’s purpose. When Simeon held him in his arms, he recognized Him by the Spirit as the fulfillment of all that the prophets before him had foretold. He said, “Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’”
It is so important at this season, that we too recognize that we have the presence of that same Son of God living in our hearts right now. Imagine the power of that moment when Simeon knew that he was holding his Eternal Savior and the answer to every man’s sin and problems. No wonder he could accept his death. He held God’s blessed assurance of eternal life and embraced it for himself. I want you to embrace that same life-giving eternal covenant for your household today. Can you see it? Simeon was so sure of God’s Word that he was ready to die in peace trusting God’s Word. I feel peace settling in on you for your family and eternal future as well. He alone is our Healer.
Looking around us we can see prophetic fulfillment every day. I want us to remember that God’s Word is more real than what our circumstance may seem to present before us. Just as real as holding the baby Jesus (Word of God) in the flesh, we too have a great assurance of God’s permanent eternal presence. Let us close out this year with faith in God’s perfect Word and in His loving truth. I’m asking for us all to write down what we believe that God has promised us and together we will lay our faith petitions upon the altar and accept completed fulfillment. Every year we lay our promises in a small prayer manger, before God, as an act of trust and obedience. Where any two agree, it shall be done. That is God’s true Word. Cathy, our children and I love you for helping us and for helping make possible every soul-winning outreach. Have a blessed Christmas and let’s see an even greater New Year.