You reveal the path of life to me;
in your presence is abundant joy;
at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Psalm 16:11
It’s Christmas!
I truly hope that each of us who read this today have a sweet, sweet day. It’ll look different for us all, with different people, family, food, presents, memories, griefs, joys… and so on…
My hope is that this past month, we’ve reflected on and rejoiced in Emmanuel.
We have seen the path of life.
Jesus came to his people, to bring them home to live with him eternally. To do that, God worked through history, through his people in Israel, and to this day he still builds his spirit filled church on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
We come to know life as we put our hope, trust and faith in him, wholeheartedly.
I hope we’ve tasted something of the abundant joy and eternal pleasures that are found in knowing Jesus. As his people, we have unique and endless blessings. So often we are blind to them, and settle for much less than we are being offered, as we turn to quick fix pleasures and pick-me-up comforts.
”In the arms of my dear Saviour,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms!”
Come Ye Sinners, Joseph Hart
So many of the songs we sing often speak of the blessings we have in Jesus.
Today, take some time to think about all that you have in Jesus.
You’ve been designed for a purpose.
You’ve been called to believe.
You’ve been redeemed from sin.
You’ve been set free from slavery to yourself.
You’ve been given security that is unshakable.
You’re invited to wrestle with the Lord through all that is difficult.
You’re given encouragement and strength to live faithfully.
You have God’s very Spirit living within you.
You have a hope that is certain.
You are heading for eternal joy and peace.
…and more, and more, and more…
“Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come again with us to dwell.”
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Sovereign Grace
Emmanuel has come, and Emmanuel is here, and Emmanuel will come again.
Rejoice!
Written by Pete Bell
A thought to remember: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
A bit more to read: Psalm 16
A question to ask: In what specific ways have you been blessed by Jesus?
A song to sing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel