12/25/2020
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We remember the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, and seeking a room where there was none available. We recall how Jesus was born there, wrapped in swaddling cloth like a newborn lamb being prepared for sacrifice, and placed in a manger. Then we go to the pasture and listen with the shepherds as they are told of this miracle child, but how do we pray today? Do we pray in His name for the simple things we desire, or like Mary whose soul was known to pray fervently in the Holy Spirit as she anticipated His coming?
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
Luke 1:46-47 KJV
So today we rejoice, and raise our voices in song, but we also begin a life of Christlike prayer as we follow the growth, and amazingly holy life of Jesus from manger through ministry, then on to His crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension. We are taught during His life how to pray as He did, and we become proficient at this as we read His gospel, and ask that we be strengthened in our faith. Our prayer life swells as we live according to His teaching, commandments, and example; seeking pure and righteous lives as we follow Him, but how do we pray now that He has ascended into heaven? We most certainly continue these prayers we were taught, and as we seek out our own salvation, but does our soul magnify God, and our spirit rejoice as we pray as Mary did regarding His eminent arrival?
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”
Luke 2:6 KJV
So it was, while Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, that Mary’s natural days of pregnancy were complete, and Jesus was born. He became Emanuel (meaning: God is with us), and as such was God incarnate; the Messiah. The long awaited Messiah had finally arrived, and His life amongst men began to run its course, with the disciple Andrew (first a disciple of John the Baptist, and then the first disciple of Jesus) becoming the first to recognize Him as being the Messiah, more than a prophet, and greater than John The Baptist.
“One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter ).”
John 1:40-42 ESV
Today we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, the Messiah. At Easter we will mourn His crucifixion and thrill to His Resurrection; all the time praying and rejoicing in Him, but there is one more prayer that should be ever on our lips, and rising from our soul, and yet this is a prayer that many neglect to voice. This prayer is similar to Mary’s... it is the prayer for His return... His second, and final, arrival.
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Revelation 22:20-21 ESV
How much greater does our soul magnify the Lord today in prayer, and our spirit rejoice? We know the beginning and the end of the gospel story, and all that Jesus came to accomplish for us, and in us. We hear Mary’s soul praying in the Spirit, celebrate the newborn Christ child, sit at the feet of Jesus the teacher, we pick up our cross and follow the Messiah, and now we pray for what this effort was intended to accomplish from its very inception... we pray for His return to claim us.
“Come Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20 ESV
So today as we pray, worship, and celebrate His birth, and are baptized in spirit and fire, do we pray as we should for His quick return? Is it our desire that He come once again... now? Do we desire to see Him descending from the clouds, or do we long for another minute, day, or year here without his coming? Even as we celebrate His birth, mourn His death in tears, and shout jubilantly of His resurrection, what is our true prayer regarding His return? Is our soul magnifying God, praying for His coming every day, and at the end of each petition we make to God in his name, are we honestly calling for Him to come?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for this day of celebration when we join the Angels as they shout of your Son’s birth...
““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””
Luke 2:14 ESV
Hear the joy in our voices, but never let us hold Him in our arms, or place him sleeping peacefully in the manger without a touch of sadness at his suffering which lies ahead. Never let us change the swaddling cloth that wraps and protects Him without knowing that our soul will once again call for His return. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your only begotten Son to redeem us from sin and death. Praised be your name as we walk with Jesus, suffer with Him, and trust in His promised return. Hear the longing of our souls for Him, even as you heard Mary’s soul as it magnified you. Merciful are you Father, and greatly to be praised. Your Grace knows no bounds, and your goodness is endless. Hear us as we call for Jesus, and though we don’t know the hour or the day, send Him quickly to bring us to you.
Rich Forbes