From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 22, 2022
Greetings of God’s greatest blessings in this most joyous season, for which Jesus is the only Reason,
I have a note on my office door which has been there for about 20 years. It was written by my grandchildren and says, “Have you heard? It is almost Christmas and the best time of the year.” For most children, we know why Christmas is a good time of the year, but really it is the best time of year, whether you think Jesus was born in April, December, or September. Remembering that Jesus was born so that we might live is the greatest thing because He chose to come to earth as one of us so we could have an understanding of how great the love of God is for us.
Of course, as with any of us, the entire life has great meaning, but that life had to start somewhere. Most people, even Christians would say that the life of Jesus began when He was born in Bethlehem, but that is only half true. That was the beginning of His life on earth, but we know He was with the Father in the beginning. He chose, from the beginning that He would come as a baby, as we all are born and live among mankind to fulfill His mission. There will be no excuses on that great day of judgment as to how poor we were, how mistreated, ignored, falsely accused, convicted, killed etc. Jesus might justly say, “Been there, done that.”
I’m sure we all have a collection of our favorite Christmas stories, poems, songs, and even our own testimonies. These collections grow over the years and include many aspects of the life of our Dearly Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. One of my many favorites, which has a direct impact on our daily living a Kingdom quality life is entitled, “Oh, Come, Let Us Adore Him.” In a town, every year at Christmas time local artists would paint Christmas scenes on the store windows. On this store window, the artist had painted the first Christmas scene, with a white lamb, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The artist and the store owners were outside admiring the scene when a mother and four children walked by. The youngest boy of the children stopped, standing there motionless, gazing at the Christ Child. Then he rose up on tip toes, reached up, and touched the Baby’s fingers. It left a tiny smudge on the painting and the artist wanted to repair it, but the store owner said, “Please leave it.” The little smudge was/is a humble reminder of what Christmas really should be. A time in our adoration that we reach out and up and touch the hand of our Lord. Also that we might take His hand and hold it all year long. This is vital to living in the Kingdom of God.
There are many songs written about the birth of Jesus. Some have become life long favorites and some we may have never heard. The following song might be one most have never heard, but one that tells the whole story of Jesus Christ. You might can find it on the internet and hear it sung.
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
by Emily Elliott
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
Paul Gage
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