by Muriel Larson
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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJ).
What is the most astounding fact of the birth of Jesus Christ? Was it that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin as the Bible says? Was it that His virgin birth had been prophesied some 700 years before by Isaiah? Or was it that He was born in Bethlehem, just as the prophet Micah had also prophesied?
Certainly all these are remarkable truths, and all should be emphasized during the Christmas season. But probably the most astounding truth is this: the prediction Isaiah also made in Isaiah 7:14 that His name would be called “Immanuel.”
What is so astounding about that name? In relation to Jesus’ birth, the Apostle Matthew quoted that verse from Isaiah: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel.” Matthew added, “which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
GOD BECAME A MAN!
That indeed is one of the most astounding facts in all history: that God Himself came to earth to live as a man! The Apostle John stated the same stunning truth in a different way: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14).
John beheld Christ’s glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, when he, James, and Peter saw Jesus Christ meet and talk with Moses and Elijah. Matthew 17:2 says that Jesus “was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.”
The Apostle Paul, who actually saw Jesus after He returned to heaven, told Timothy, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
Paul told the Philippians that although Christ Jesus was in the form of God, he took on the form of a servant and became a man (Philippians 2:6-7).
The great reformer, Martin Luther, declared, “The mystery of the humanity of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding!”
WHY GOD BECAME A MAN
Why did God do this? According to John 3:16, he did it because of the great love He has for all mankind. Sin had separated us all from the holy God. The only way He could reconcile us to Himself was by giving His own perfect life as a ransom for sin. That was why God the Son died that horrible and shameful death on the cross: He shed His own blood for our sins. (See Romans 5.) God the Father raised Him from the dead, that we might be justified, made righteousness in His sight. That is the gospel. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3 – 4).
Now here is another astounding fact that must be linked with the name Emmanuel, “God with us.” Jesus Christ is still with all those who have repented of their sins and trusted in Him as their Lord and Savior.
Jesus told His followers, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus also said that if we love Him, we will keep His words, and He and His Father would come to live us (John 14:23).
The only way people can know this personal relationship and communion with the Lord of all creation is to see themselves as the sinners for whom Christ died on the cross; to turn from their sins to Jesus Christ; and to receive Him humbly and simply as personal Savior and Lord. When we do this, our sins are blotted out, forgiven. We are cleansed. We become new persons. The burden of sin we carried is lifted–and peace and joy takes its place.
Christ died for ALL. Anyone who has never received Christ as Savior can do this at any time. What a wonderful opportunity Christmas gives us to impart these basic truths of the Christian faith!
QUESTIONS:
I’ve done some bad things in my life. Will God forgive me if I receive Jesus as my Savior? Will the Lord actually come and live in me if I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior? Will He change my life?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/muriel-larson/
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I think that forgiveness is one of the most remarkable characteristics of our Savior! With that forgiveness can come a wonderfully transformed life! Nothing or no one else can change a life the way that Jesus Christ can and will do, if we only ask. All it takes on our part is simple faith, believing that He will do as He has promised! Incredible!
I’m so glad to know, as the scripture says in Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” In Isaiah 43:25 it says “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins NO more.”
God has promised complete forgiveness without conditions but I think the hardest part is forgiving ourselves sometimes!
Blessings!
Bless you, Muriel, for another thought-provoking devotional..It is almost beyond our human comprehension that our Divine Lord came down and dwelt amongst us ..but He did..and His Holy Spirit still dwells in those who ask for it! He remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow..Hebrews 13:8!!! Amen!!! What HE did then? He will do today and in all our tomorrows as well!
Susie’s comments were “right on the mark”, too..His forgiveness is the most remarkable thing..And those who think “I’ve gone too far”..”can never be forgiven”..am beyond hope.. are deceived by the enemy..His love is endless and His forgiveness is “otherworldly”..And when we receive “Emmanuel”..We can give that kind of forgiveness and agape love, too! He indwells us and “teaches” how to love and forgive others..as well as ourselves! Hallelujah…
Thank you, Lord, that you love us so much you walked in human form on this earth to teach us your ways..leaving your precious WORD as a blueprint for daily living…It is a comfort to us flawed humans realizing that YOU being Flawless, Perfect and Divine..Did this and understand the human condition and, yet, will give your Holy Spirit to those who ask your forgiveness of their sins .. and that we can receive this incredible free gift right now today to help and guide us through the earthen challenges..We Praise you Father for reconciling us to you through your remarkable birth, life and crucifixtion..YOU suffered for our iniquities bearing pain so incredible ONLY GOD’s SON could have sustained it..wiping out sins past, present and future..what a mighty price you paid..and how worthy you esteem us, Beloved Lord…. Help each one of us today, Lord, understand our value in you and serve you all the days of our lives…that others may see YOU in us… We love you so much and are honored to be called your Children and proud to be your daughters…Amen!!!
Dear Truth Media Staff…
There must be a technical glitch on your end..as you are faithful to get the devotionals out..Am receiving emails from some inquiring have I received today’s devotional and sharing that they can go directly to the site and click on devotions. Thank you for all the countless days you “DO” get the devotionals to us all like clockwork! We appreciate your efforts soooo much!
Sorry all for the email issues. The server that sends out the emails isn’t working properly and we’re trying to get the hamsters running again.
It is true that if you click on home and bookmark that page, it will always have the latest right on the top so if the email hasn’t arrived, you can still hopefully see the day’s devo.
THANK YOU FRAN FOR DOING JUST THAT FOR ME.AS I DIDN’T GET TODAYS DEVOTIONAL DIRECTLY.
THIS IS A GREAT DEVOTIONAL WITH SO MANY REFERRENCE TO OLD AND NEW THAT REFER TO JESUS COMING. WE ARE VERY BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST ON A PERSONNAL LEVEL AND HAVE HIM IN OUR HEARTS AND SOUL.
GOD BLESS YOU FRAN FOR SENDING ME THE WEB SITE.’
CHRIS T.
Thank you, Sheldon, for all you and this ministry do. We are so spoiled by having the devotional sent to us and waiting for us when we boot up each morning. It’s like a missing friend when it is not there. I pray you are able to get the “hamsters running again”. :-)
I did not receive it today either, but went to the site and clicked on home to read today’s devotional.
Thank you, Fran, for saying something about it. I thought it was just me. However, when I went to the site and found only Susie response, I figured it was not just me. Susie the scripture you quoted is encouraging. As Fran said, “it’s right on the mark”.
Muriel, thank you for your devotional. Emmanuel . . . God with us. I don’t know if we can fully comprehend it all, but just take it on faith. I can hear and read the words, but there is a point where faith comes into play. Thank you, Lord, for all you did and do.
Chris, how are you doing today and how was your Christmas? I pray you are well and encouraged.
Blessings, Judy D
JUDY D
TODAY IS ONE OF MY EASIER COPING DAYS.THE PRESSURE IS NOT TO BAD AND I FEEL LIKE I AM FLOATING IN STEAD OF BEING A REALLY SUPER HEAVY FEELING. MY CHRISTMAS WAS QUITE. WENT OUT TO A CHINESE BUFFET WITH MY FRIEND PAT AND WE HAD GREAT FOOD AND COMPANY IT WAS NICE.
HOPE YOU CHRISTMAS WAS GOOD.
CHRIS T.
Have the devotionals arrived for you in your email inbox?
Sheldon, My email went to my Bulk box within the last hour. I prefer getting it in my regular email. This has happened before where Yahoo sends it to Bulk mail by mistake. Maybe the hamsters are running again??
Praise God for “being with us always” through Christ Jesus!!
SHELDON
YES I GOT MINE
Sheldon, Thank you sooo much..My devotional arrived, too..We all want you to know how much we appreciate you and your efforts to help now and always! “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year”!!!! YOu and all the staff at Truth Media are so very appreciated..as you see in the comments above! :)
If yahoo is treating it like bulk mail, follow the instructions here.
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/mail/original/abuse/abuse-36.html
I AM SO GLAD CHRIST CAME TO DIE FOR MY SINS
SHARON
Sheldon,
I got the devotional in my mail box. Thank you so much.
Susie, you are right! I think we should forgive ourselves and forgive those who hurt us. Forgive and forget. Then our heavenly Father will forgive us.
Thanks Sheldon. I didn’t know you could “unbulk” mail received in bulk mail when it should have gone to the Inbox. Learn something new everyday!! Thanks again!!
Susie and Linda Ji,
I agree with you both about forgiveness, and Linda there is scripture to back up what you said.
Matthew 6:14,15:
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
I believe when we truly accept God’s forgiveness from our heart, forgiving ourselves is easier. Sometimes I tend to think I have to forgive myself (it’s that control thing again) but I simply need to accept God’s forgiveness.
I received my devotional and the responses. Thank you, Sheldon. The hamsters must be running in the right way now, huh? :-) You are great!!
Thank you for those who were praying for my dad who was in the hospital and for my trip down to my parents over Christmas. They eventually found out Dad (85 yrs old) had a slight stroke and when we arrived on Friday he was already home. He was tired and slept for most of the time when we were there, but making progress. When we left Monday morning, he was up for breakfast and his color was good. The night before I talked to him and asked him if he remembered the prayer we had a couple of years ago. (Two years ago I had asked him if he’d ever prayed forgiveness of his sins and invited Jesus into his heart. He said, yes, I don’t know, I don’t thinks so. I then asked him if he’d like to pray. He said yes, stopped the jeep—we had gone up the road on the family ranch—and I lead Dad in prayer for his salvation.) However,Dad could not remember it this past weekend when I asked him about it, so I told him what we did and he nodded his head. I reminded him of his prayer.
He was admitted to the hospital with “body failure”. All the scans and tests did not show a stroke. Several days later and with you girls praying and my church family praying, the hospital did another scan and found out Dad had a slight stroke. He is making progress.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Chris, glad you are having an easier day and that you had a “yummy” dinner and good fellowship with your friend, Pat.
Blessings,
Judy
Judy D,
So glad you updated us on your dad, and glad he is doing better.
Appreciate your salvation story. Your father is so blessed to have a daughter that cares. It reminded me of my dad’s salvation. He always refused to pray when I asked…but 3 weeks before he died he prayed the salvation prayer with his favorite niece. I thank God that she cared, and that the Lord was merciful and accepted his salvation prayer at age 81. Praise Him!!
I have always heard of the “unpardonable sin”. I have never understood it tho…….can someone enlighten me?
Patti,
Your Pastor can explain the “Unpardonable Sin” best of all..But for me? It is a willful and deliberate blaspheme against His Holy Spirit..It would be doing evil deliberately, fully aware ..and conscious and revelling in godlessness.. But, HE makes provision for forgiveness of our sins before we’d ever reach that evil, willfull point..His desire is that ALL should be saved John 3:16-19..We humans are flawed and all have fallen short of His Glory ..and will…But, the Believer’s heart will be convicted by the Holy Spirit..and peace comes when we ask for forgiveness and are truly reprentant.
The enemy of our souls will try and convince us that we are beyond forgiveness…Wrong! Even great men of God have been attacked with that thought..but they overcame and served mightily..having been set free! And that freedom is available to us all..We need only read His Promises!
And any who are concerned that they’ve committed the unpardonable sin? For me that very anxiety and a person feeling they’ve gone too far would show concern for the “need for forgiveness and repentence”..Patti, the truly evil are not concerned at all..But know that He will never give up on a single soul until the last earthen gasp!
When those thoughts come from the enemy we Believers and followers of Christ can “rebuke” them in Powerful Name of JESUS!!
Again? A Pastor is better equipped to answer this deep question..But, you and the rest of us here..can be at peace this night knowing we have His covering and want to do His will..We are all blessed to understand our human conditions and the need to “daily” cleanse our slates!! Amen and Amen…Hope some of this makes sense!
Judy D…
Thank you for he Praise Report about your Dad! We all prayed and believed! Amen and Amen!!!
Patti, below is a website which explains the unpardonable sin. (I did not get Fran’s response delivered to my email, so just now read it. It is a good one.)
Hope this is helpful.
Blessings,
Judy
http://www.allaboutgod.com/unpardonable-sin.htm
Part of the website states:
Unpardonable Sin – Can I commit it?
The thought of an unpardonable sin has brought grief to many people throughout history. Perhaps the guilt and fear is unnecessary. If you are afraid that you have committed the unpardonable sin, that is sure proof that you have not! Those who committed the unpardonable sin had no godly regrets. They had no interest in the forgiveness of God. Remember, Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus forgave him.
It appears that the situation of this unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit existed only while Christ was ministering on earth. The unpardonable sin, like the one in Matthew 12, cannot be committed today. We are not able to attribute to Satan the miracles of God, as performed by Jesus Christ.
However, when people reject Jesus Christ and His gift of eternal life, they are in a sense committing the unpardonable sin of unbelief. Anyone who desires to be saved by God’s grace, has not committed the unpardonable sin. However, a person who lives in rejection and unbelief until his death, will not be pardoned.
Judy D….thank you so much. This gave me a whole new perspective on it…cleared things up for me and is completely different than what I had understood.