Everyone remembers the feeling of Christmas morning here in America, the anticipation, the joy, the excitement… as a child it was always the most exhilarating time of year. You either traveled to family, or family traveled to you. School was out for a couple of weeks, and you were basically free…

Free, what an interesting concept to think of in comparison to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I was reminded of something that I said during a sermon the other night, “Salvation starts with Christmas.“Honestly I don’t remember saying it during my sermon, but the Spirit works in funny ways. But if we stop and really think about this concept, we should come to the understanding, that since the fall of man in Genesis chapter three, God was already looking forward some thousands of years to the birth, the incarnation of God becoming flesh. in the form of vulnerable, weak and frail, baby.

Jesus was born to Joseph and Mary, a humble carpenter, and his young bride to be… born into humble circumstances, and at risk of his own young life, Jesus came to usher in salvation for all mankind… consider the Apostle Peter’s words… “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should ready repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 E.SV). In the same sense, God was not slow on bringing Jesus to the Earth, nor is he slow in the Second Coming, only our perspective is. But freedom from the true slavery was ushered in on Christmas day!

Rather this is the day upon which we choose to celebrate Christ’s birth, but regardless, it is a glorious day, one that we should choose to focus and reflect, our anticipation & excitement should build not for the presents under the tree, but for those who are continuing to make decisions to make Jesus their Lord and Savior. Anticipation should be, for how the Holy Spirit is going to use you and I for the greater advancement of God’s Kingdom! Anticipation should be, that our faith is made strong through trial, and that through trial God is sanctifying us…

This Gift, Jesus Christ is deserving of true anticipation, anticipation for his return, that one day freedom from this world will be known, freedom from death in Christ!

My prayer for those who may read this, That you may know Jesus Christ who came to save, to serve, and who loves you deeply. For those of you who are in the faith already, that you may be strengthened, lifted to the higher goal of Christ, and your faith may be shown true.

Merry Christmas, to the Kingdom of God abound, all who may read this, all over the earth!