When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things—not the great occasions—give off the greatest glow of happiness.”
–Bob Hope
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.'”
–Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)
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What are you thinking about this Christmas season? Is your mind filled with the wonder or the season or are you frought with fear because of the virus? Do you get angry that you have to wear a mask, or do you get angry at those who spurn the use of masks? The devil will do anything to destroy your joy, to get your mind off the Babe in the manger.
Are you thinking of hope? Hope that there is a vaccine from the pestilence that fills the land, or hope in the Son of God, that He was sent from the heavenly Father to redeem mankind? Hope that there is a soon returning of those who have accepted His sacrifice and look forward to His second advent?
Does the season fill your heart with peace? Perhaps anxiety seems to rule. If so, rebuke the devourer, and turn your eyes to the Savior. Peace is upon those who have placed Him in their heart. Are you guided by His Word, then you should have peace, knowing that He has everything under control.
There has been much ado regarding the “merging” of Saturn and Jupiter tonight. It is something that doesn’t happen very often, and we are told to look for signs in the skies, but our hope is not to be put in signs. Turn the eyes of your thinking back to that “Star” centuries ago. The magi followed the Star with hope; hope that they would find the newborn king. As they had hope that first Christmas in seeking the king, so should we have hope in the return of the King.
“Oh Beautiful Star the hope of light
Guiding the pilgrims through the night
Over the mountains till the break of dawn
Into the light of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray
Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.”
–R. Fisher Boyce
Seek the King. Seek Him and He will fill your heart with hope and peace. In the midst of these trying times; times of pestilence, terror, riots, hatred, and bitterness, turn your eyes to the Hope of the world. Let Him fill your heart.
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I also want to remember those in our military, whether at home or abroad, but all those who are serving; those who are sacrificing in protection of this wonderful nation. Ponder the prayer by Eddie Rickenbacker as he found himself in an ordeal of being lost at sea for twenty-four days.
“O Lord, I thank thee for the strength and blessings thou has given me, and even though I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I feared no evil, for thy rod and thy staff comforted me even unto the four corners of the world. I have sinned, O Lord, but through thy mercy thou hast shown me the light of thy saving grace.
“In thy care we are entrusting our boys and girls in the Services scattered throughout the entire world, and we know that in thee they are finding their haven of hope. Be with our leaders, O Lord; give them wisdom to lead us to a spiritual victory, as well as a physical one. And until that day, be with those at home–strengthen them for whatever may lie ahead… In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen”
This was a prayer in the midst of World War II. The world situation has changed, leaders have come and gone, but the truth of this prayer is still valid. Turn our eyes to the Lord–let Him strengthen us for the days ahead.