Dear friends,
Have you ever wondered how far away heaven is? One song puts it this way: “Somewhere in outer space, God has prepared a place for those who trust Him and obey. Jesus will come again, although we don’t know when; the countdown’s getting lower every day.” Wherever heaven is, what is most important, of course, is who will be there. Those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour will spend eternity worshiping God, who loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son to Earth to die for our sins on the cross of Calvary.
This month, the attention of many children (and adults) is on their favourite holiday of the year: Christmas. Some have been counting the days – and eating the chocolate in the advent calendar – until the day when they can open presents. Many people are looking forward to travelling to see family and friends. This is the second-busiest travel period in the United States (after the Thanksgiving holiday).
Many people know the story of how the baby Jesus was born in less-than-ideal circumstances, as there was no room in the inn in Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph to stay, because of the crowds in town. Have you considered what Mary and Joseph went through to get from Nazareth in the north of Israel to Bethlehem in the south of the country? Without access to modern means of transportation, they probably walked close to 100 miles to get to the birthplace of Joseph’s forefather, David, in order to register for the census which had been decreed by Caesar Augustus. This fulfilled the prophecy in the Old Testament: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).
The prophet Isaiah described the One to be born in Bethlehem as follows: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). According to the New International Version Study Bible, these names have great significance: “Each of the four throne names of the Messiah consists of two elements. ‘Counselor’ points to the Messiah as a king (see Micah 4:9) who determines upon and carries out a program of action (see Isaiah 14:27 and Psalm 20:4). As Wonderful Counselor, the coming Son of David will carry out a royal program that will cause all the world to marvel. What that program will be is spelled out in Isaiah 11, and more fully in chapters 24-27. Mighty God: His divine power as a warrior is stressed. Everlasting Father: He will be an enduring, passionate provider and protector (Isaiah 40:9-11). Prince of Peace: His rule will bring wholeness and well-being to individuals and to society (see Isaiah 11:6-9).”
For the next few weeks, Pastor Michel Martel, the voice of “La Voix de l’Evangile” in Quebec since 1984, will be speaking on the subject “La gloire de la Parole de Dieu” (“The Glory of the Word of God”). You can listen to these messages in French at: www.lavoixdelevangile.ca. It has been said that eighteen inches separate us from heaven. That is the distance between our knees and the ground. Before we can truly sing “O Come Let Us Adore Him” we must repent of our sins (bowing our knees literally or figuratively) and receive God’s gift of salvation. That is the best gift that we will ever receive!
Scripture for the weekend: “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
Thought for the weekend: “God has provided a King for the ages of time, and He can reign and rule over all we commit into His care and keeping. Jesus is great! He is the Son of the Highest. He is King of Israel, King of the Jews, King of kings – an eternal King whose reign will never end.” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from the December 2017 edition of “Turning Points” magazine)
By His grace,
Steve