Glory to GOD in the Highest

December 24th, 2023

It's Christmas Eve and we look upon these events leading to Christ's birth as a longing comfort. Let your minds rest on these beautiful things for they are to be meditated upon with gladness!

SCRIPTURE: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her us is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, “ which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:18-23 NKJV

In what Scripture calls the “…fullness of the time,” the world was ripe for receiving the only One who could deliver every believing soul from the power and eternal penalty of sin [Galatians 4:4, 5]! The Christ’s redemptive work, after all, had been prophesied in Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14; 9:6, and in numerous other places throughout God’s Word.

According to Matthew’s gospel, the Lord invoked no less than five angelic assists in implementing His wondrous plan of providing for our salvation. These are found in Matthew 1:20, 2:12, 13, and in verses 19 and 22. Wickedness, whether through “a King Herod” or any other vessel of the devil, is no match for El Shaddai (God Almighty)! No purpose of God’s can be thwarted [Job 42:2 NIV] Although theirs was a situation with which many lacked empathy and understanding, Joseph was nevertheless a righteous man who demonstrated compassion toward his beloved bride.

A thoughtful reflection of Luke 1:46-55 (the “Magnificat”) reveals the fervency with which Mary herself ascribed glory to God. She knew that her God was WITH her as well as FOR her! Notice the praises she offers to Him, the magnificent attributes she ascribes to the God of all creation: He’s her Savior in whom she rejoices; she acknowledges His omnipotence, His holiness, mercy, and strength. She praises Him for being a just God—one who provides for the hungry and is committed to justice; she commends God for sending the rich away empty and championing the cause of His servant Israel. Our God, she knew, as being the God who keeps His covenant promises! Do you know Him as being YOUR ALL-SUFFICIENT Savior? If you do not, this holy season the Savior God invites you to believe on Him! It’s why He came! His very name, JESUS, means “Savior!” He came for YOU and me! GLORY to GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!

PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for sending Your only begotten Son to earth to be the Savior of every believing soul. Thank You for opening our spiritual eyes to understand our great need of the eternal salvation that only You could provide! We give You all the glory! Amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

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Deborah Whye - December 24th, 2023 at 5:06am

Amen! Glory to God in the Highest!!! Hallelujah!

Paula S. - December 24th, 2023 at 6:37am

Amen and praise the Lord. God knew the vessels He would use for this great assignment. Joseph's acceptance and Mary's praise makes me glad. Thank you Sis. Denise.

Cheryl Torain - December 24th, 2023 at 7:20am

Amen to the Word that became flesh - JESUS!!!