Yes, Celebrate

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

20 “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Go back and reread Luke 2:1-20. Two things among many:  vs 14, the angels sang “peace among those whom God favors.” That’s enough right there. Peace is ours. Too often we shun it, but it’s ours. God’s favor is ours. We walk in his favor. Walking in his favor gives us peace. And it’s all because of Jesus!

Vs20, after seeing the baby the shepherds returned praising God for what they had seen and heard. Every year we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. But every day we can celebrate our salvation because of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Everyday we can celebrate going to him in prayer, and being guided by Holy Spirit. Everyday we can praise him for what we have seen and heard. God’s love for us is personal, and we have a reason to praise him- we have his peace, his favor. That’s good news! And there is more. enough for now

Our Challenge

Luke 1:37

Luke 1:37-38 (NRSV): “For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”

This was after Gabriel told Mary that she would birth a child. If you look at both Joseph and Mary, although chosen for the task, they had to overcome challenges. They did. Mary’s response to Gabriel “May it is be to me as you have said.” And because of that Jesus was born.  And look later as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. His response was like his mother’s “Not my will, but your will.”

Because of Jesus’ birth we can overcome any challenge. Our key? Believe that with God nothing is impossible. Let that permeate your spirit. Nothing is impossible with God. And our response, “May it be to me as you have said.” Yes Lord, we are more than conquerors. Enough for now.

That One

Is 58:12 NRSV “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.

God had to get the Israelites to understand true fasting. We are to care for others, treat others right, help them to be restored. Then we have the right to receive his favor, we can call and he answers. We can bring peace to others because of our connection with God. We walk in being that one- repairer/restorer.enough for now.