FOR ALL THE PEOPLE

December 17th, 2025

SCRIPTURES: "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground..." Isaiah 53:1,2a
"God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21
"But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand." Acts 4:4

Christmas furthers the message, with the receipts, of His kindness towards us. Having done 'the' heavy lifting God invites of us belief in Him, and the very related matter of trust. But 'who has believed the message?'.
He divested of the heavenly to invest in us, to raise up the 'new creature' upon belief, showing His care in big history from the days of Adam up to, and into our current events and living. His unique arrival, unique life, manner of death, and resurrection stands as a signature within eternity as to just how precious we are, how loved we are! But 'who has believed the message?'.

Before the cross, there was the cradle, a humble manger surrounded by farm animals...a modest visible audience, and an invisible celestial throng. God arrived in the manner of all fallen humanity. "... I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12 This is the message at the heart of Christmas! Hallelujah! Amen!

"God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." The imagery of secular Christmas, the traditions of it, the feasts and the gift giving, the focus on children and a certain type of relief with games and play and decorations and songs, all giving a boost to our affections for it. Our sentiments anchor to seasons past with snow [when it stayed white for weeks], and school closures, and sales and parties. The legendary regard of Santa and his elves compete with the biblical regard of Jesus and the angels. Nativity scenes adorn the base of Christmas trees, while families scurry to church, or maybe the latest greatest blockbuster movie.

And yet "...many of those who had heard the message believed..." Then, as now, distractions to what is utterly and eternally true, never quite retire, no matter the generation. The message, against all odds, continues to draw a remnant destined for glory. Thanks be to God! Born upon His kindness comes mercy!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 "...but who has believed our message?..."
PRAYER: We, captured by Your kindness, Lord, note all Thy gift with awe, and find of grace great blessing for all of mercy that we saw. And still to see it, being raised, we offer our 'Amen' with every moment ripe with praise until You come again!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington