December 13, 2009
IN THE LORD, IMMANUEL
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So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."
Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Celebrate the Healer of broken hearts.
to heal the brokenhearted."
~Luke 4:18a
As we grow older, often the Christmas season becomes less child-like and more thoughtful.
- Remembering loved ones who have left us for the heavenly realm, we mourn our loss with heartache.
- Reviewing the past year’s unreached goals, we ponder the slippery passage of time.
- Evaluating the relationships we hoped would grow deeper, we grieve over what “could be,” if only….
The hubbub of busyness often keeps us from facing the disappointment and perhaps depression or emptiness looming under the surface of the disingenuous smile and shallow greetings.
But when our hearts become still, the tears flow. In these moments of genuine, heart-enlightening reflection, the Hope of Christmas manifests clearly: Immanuel—God with us.
A vulnerable heart, yielded willingly without reserve, opens wide to receive the healing needed to face impossible circumstances (Luke 1:37), disappointing relationships (Romans 5:5), anguished souls (Isaiah 57:14-19). Immanuel—God with us.
"Today this Scripture is fulfilled
in your hearing."
~Luke 4:21
If you are hurting this Christmas season, be real! Face who you are with the hope of who you are in Christ. Immanuel—God with you.
Let His love in.
~Colossians 1:27
Celebrate the Liberator of the blind and oppressed.
And recovery of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed."
~Luke 4:18b
If you are beginning to perceive binding mindsets that hold you captive, receiving eyes to see God at work through your relationships and circumstances, and/or are being released from living under man’s oppressive teachings, rejoice in the Anointed One Who is releasing you from what binds to His love for you.
"Today this Scripture is fulfilled
in your hearing."
~Luke 4:21
Let His love out.
Pour His love out during this Christmas celebratory season.
- Rejoice in your liberty, not by focusing on whether you exchange gifts or set up a tree or not. Exercise your liberty in Christ and enjoy any family traditions you embrace that strengthen heart ties. This gift bonds the family.
Immanuel—God with us. - Rejoice in His liberating love by reaching out to a hurting one with a gentle touch or a soft embrace, a word fitly spoken or a listening ear. These gifts touch the soul.
Immanuel—God with us. - Rejoice in His love for you through quiet moments of heart-felt worship and thanksgiving. This gift unites your heart with His.
Immanuel—God with you.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
the Anointed One,
the Healer,
the Liberator,
the Savior!
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow now and in 2010,
(1 Thessalonians 3:12)
~Acts 17:28a
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