SPRING FORTH NOW 2024

Sunday, December 22, 2024

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:8-20

Fear of the unknown often keeps you in positions of your status quo, and because nothing that wishes to live, thrive, or grow can stay the same, you eventually spiral downward, leaving the only solution or alternative for you is to Lift Up Your Head.  Lift Up Your Head and see the amazing presence, power, and promises of a God who seeks to come to you and reconcile you to Him over and over and over again.  Do not be deceived by people, places, and things; it is God’s desire for you, despite and in spite of you, for you to be saved, delivered to His very presence, power, and promises made flesh, real in your life.  The Shepherds were grazing their flock and, according to tradition, probably were stealing-grazing on someone else land, yet God came to them with the miraculous announcement of their and the world’s salvation: reconciliation to God.  As they went, freeing themselves of guilt, shame, and accusations to the town where people were and knew them and, in an unlikely circumstance, found and saw God.  Open Up The Way by getting over yourself, your past, and your present, even your present shortcomings, and see God, God is choosing you and your circumstances to reveal His love and determination for you to be one with Him, His presence, power, and promises being made flesh, real in your life!