Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Matthew 2:6
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 24:13
but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Peace Comes Only Through Love
The Christmas season celebrates Jesus Christ. Although Jesus was the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), the Magi and religious leaders at the time didn’t inform King Herod properly what this meant. Thus, feeling threatened, King Herod tried to kill all babies under the age of two, but an angel successfully warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Jesus and his mother.
In this way, peace is shattered when people fail to receive the Messiah properly. We must love and serve the Messiah; then a history of love and peace will happen for individuals, families, and nations. Peace comes only through love and destruction comes from denying the Lord and from not properly loving God or the one God sent.
Receive Jesus Properly This Christmas
This is a Christmas season to receive Jesus properly as His bride. Jesus is the King of kings and has been making history for 2000+ years now. He isn’t baby Jesus anymore. We must receive him in a new way, as we are carrying out a mature history now. We must live the life of a true counterpart.
During this time, the most important thing that God and Jesus want is for us to have brotherly love with each other and to be united in peace. Regardless of what your brother or sister of faith has done, you must love them. It is to love at a higher level and in a new way by raising the level of your love daily. We must be peaceful in each church and family. It is peace that comes through absolute love.
As God’s counterparts of love, we must check ourselves and keep our love intact and strong for God and Jesus. We must not become those who love as the world does. By doing so, this brings glory to Heaven and Earth.
Be Thankful Even Through Tribulations
The more you love the Trinity and Jesus, the bigger your mission and the more injustices you will face. Like the Lord, you must take the path of life, even if it involves suffering and pain.
One benefit of going through hardships is that the winds of tribulation can push you to reach your destination faster. Also, you can achieve what seems impossible. Through tribulations, God blesses you by allowing you to gain knowledge and experience. With that acquired knowledge and experience, you can help others who are facing similar situations.
The broad path is where people eat and drink, and engage in worldly love that doesn’t fit God’s heart. It’s a smooth path that Satan doesn’t block. The narrow path is difficult because it involves fighting the righteous fight against Satan and evildoers. Since it is the narrow path of righteousness, you must repent daily and not be carrying loads of sin.
Like Job and David from the Bible, we should give thanks in all circumstances. We must guard the path of our own life, while continuously walking on the narrow path that leads to the highest Heaven, even if it means suffering.
We must always be thankful to God despite what hardships we face because God works with us to fulfill His history and Will, and we are doing the eternal work of God. We must do it together with the Trinity and Lord.
