Taking It to Work:
One of my favorite Christmas paintings is by Gaye Frances Willard, showing Santa Claus bowing to the infant Jesus. One of my favorite bible verses goes along with it, Philippians 2:10, and is actually the name of the painting, “Every Knee Shall Bow”.
That painting moves me. I guess it is because, like many of us, I long for the time when Jesus returns for His church, and the proper order of mankind is restored. And that depiction of Santa bowing to Jesus, is the right order.
I actually find it incredible that the real story of Christmas is so downplayed. I really don’t know how Mr. Claus got front and center over the Light of the world, God incarnate, bursting forth into humanity. It’s the unbelievable miracle of miracles, and at one time, the entire Christian world celebrated that occurrence. So incredible, that the leaders of the earth restarted its counting of time by His coming.
But across the globe, yesterday, two different celebrations happened. The many celebrated the arrival of Christmas, while a minority, but a faithful minority, celebrated the arrival of Christ. We are still celebrating, and wait for the day when that celebration is everlasting, when Christ will reign, and every knee shall bow.
I actually hope you’re not back at work already, but even if you are, remember, Christmas for the Christian is not a day on the calendar, it’s an ongoing celebration of the Great Light that has entered humanity. Jesus changed the world, and our individual lives, and is still Emmanuel, God with us, every day of the year. When you get done bowing, go tell it on the mountain, as His Word works in you, today.
Philippians 2:10 (ESV) – . . . so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth
Luke 2:16-17 (ESV) – And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
Rev 20:6 (ESV) – . . . but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
My light enters, and darkness flees. There will be no retreat from the Light, for each will know of My coming, and denial will not be of option. All will know My call, and those who come, kings and peasants, they shall be lifted. In faith they will know the Light that has come into the world, but is not of the world. Beyond desire will be given, and rejection of the forgiven will be no more. The world remembers this Christmas day, but long forgotten is the Light of the day. Proclaim in the heart your creed, to family and to stranger, for distant now is the light of the star, and the faith of the few is its only reflection. My world, My people did not know Me; it is such today. They reject the truth for folly, and reject He who reigns for the perishable. Be not one as these. Proclaim the good news of My coming. Hide it not under the ornate celebration, or a great meal of plenty. The Light burst forth into the kingdom of men, that the Kingdom of God might be proclaimed. Captives have now escape, and the downcast their Savior. It is the glorious day of mankind. Sing the mighty praise of the thankful forgiven. Give glory to the Father for the child Son, the incarnate King who came to save.
