"You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:1-12
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
I do not know of a more glorious occasion to celebrate than CHRISTmas. While the birth of Jesus is an event worthy of our daily celebration and praises, most of our celebration culminates during a few days in December. And with that being said, this time of year we can find ourselves totally exhausted and in desperate need of rest.
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying...
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:6-14
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
"... and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7
What makes CHRISTmas so special? The children... especially The One.
“'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel...
'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'" Luke 1:34-35
