Merry Christmas!

The Citadel of God's Protection and Love

It’s so interesting how God works. As I’m reading about the birth of Christ this morning, something new stood out to me. Why a manger? Why wasn’t the birth of our King celebrated and publicized? Even a nice cozy room in an Inn would have sufficed, but He was born reduced to obscurity except for the few God knew He could trust with this incredible news.

As we know, Herod sought to destroy Jesus once the news of His birth was brought forth by the wise men. This extremely uncomfortable and filthy setting, one that would make most feel they've been forgotten and rejected by God, was actually a citadel of God's protection and love! No one would ever expect the King of kings and Lord of lords to emerge into the world amongst such conditions.

I know there's much more to this but that's what stood out today and what the Lord wanted me to share with you.

As 2024 is ending and a new year is emerging, are you unhappy with where life has currently led you? Maybe you're between jobs, rejected by those you love or have suffered loss in so many ways, and you feel broken and alone. The path to our destiny isn't always paved with perfect circumstances. It never was for anyone in the Bible. It was twists, turns, and imperfect circumstances that built growth and character. Strangely enough, usually the bend in the road was just what was needed to take someone from where they were to where they needed to be. Joseph for example, a mighty call of God led to being rejected by those he loved, thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, falsely accused and imprisoned. The results - a strong, powerful, and humble leader!

Yes, your current circumstances may not feel ideal but trust that this is your launching pad into an incredible future, perfectly designed for you!

This isn't the Christmas story I planned to write but I pray it blesses someone today! Stay focused on Jesus... not baby Jesus, but our risen Savior! Immanuel-God with us!! 

Merry Christmas!!

James 1:2-4 (NLT)  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Matthew 2:1-13 (KJV) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.