We put our hearts into celebrating His coming...and it is a glorious reason to celebrate! Emmanuel. God with us. Yes, a reason to rejoice!
But do we pause to consider that He was born to die? The words to an old Lanny Wolfe song are playing in my mind...
But do we pause to consider that He was born to die? The words to an old Lanny Wolfe song are playing in my mind...
Born to die on Calvary
Suffer shame and agony
All my sin to freely forgiveHe was born to die that I might live.
Indeed Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” John 12:27
So as we go about our celebrating, let us reflect on the reason He came. And be thankful for His sacrifice.
So as we go about our celebrating, let us reflect on the reason He came. And be thankful for His sacrifice.
Amen, Cheryl. I remember when I first came to the Lord, I was riding down Dagsboro Road one day and came upon a Christmas display that had a manger scene; and in back of that was a cross with the words "To This End Was I Born". It was powerful. And I have thought of that display every year since. And of His Sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteYour entry is one I feel very deeply. In Luke 2:35, Simeon told Mary that "a sword will pierce even your own soul...". There's doubtless more in his statement than this, but the dying of her Son always comes to my mind.
ReplyDeleteThankfulness for His sacrifice seems like such a small thing, doesn't it?
Ann
Yes.
ReplyDeleteAnd pondering His death and sacrifice adds a tone of reverence to the celebrating.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through "Coffee Tea Books and Me" and the comment you left there. Bravo! You hit the nail right on the head with the scripture you left. I am most grateful that Mary was a willing servant and made a wonderful mother to our Lord. She was, however, just another human the same as you and me. She needed a Savior just as we do. Thank you also for your post on your own blog. I always think of the manger being in the shadow of the cross. We can't stop with the baby in swaddling clothes, but we have to travel on to the Messiah in the grave clothes. Then, praise Him, we get to the risen Lord of Lords. What a joy to discover your blog. I'll visit again.
Linda
www.gracefullives.blogspot.com