And The Soul Found Its Worth...

In a commentary posted last Christmas season at WorldNetDaily, Joseph Farah wrote, "No other man in history turned the world upside-down as did Jesus.

No one.

His life reshaped our values. His teachings inspired His disciples to greatness. Even the way we measure time is based on His life and death."

Even today, the name of Jesus Christ being shared throughout our land is a cause for much joy. Despite the current controversy and the media and retail business "war on Christmas," the true meaning of Christmas and Who it is all about cannot ever be stifled by such naysayers in the hearts and minds of those who belong to and love Jesus!

As Joseph Farah mentioned in his article, "It's about the baby born in the manger in Bethlehem and all He represents to the world through His life, death and resurrection – which is everything."

Isaiah first told the world about His promise, His character and His attributes:

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon His shoulder:
and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government
and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David,
and upon His kingdom,
to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice
from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts
will perform this.

– Isaiah 9:6-7

When our Lord entered into this world, the first words uttered by the angels were, "Fear not."

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

– Luke 2:10-12

We learn from the Scriptures that Jesus' birth was announced to shepherds in the fields. Just think. They must have been terrified at first! But their fear turned to joy as the angels announced the Messiah's birth.

I don't think that it was a coincidence that Jesus' birth was announced to humble shepherds. These may have been the shepherds who supplied the lambs for the temple sacrifices that were performed for the forgiveness of sin. Here the angels invited these shepherds to greet the Lamb of God (John 1:36), who would take away the sins of the whole world forever!

The birth of Jesus has inspired composers for over 2,000 years. We see the inspiration of the popular angel's song Gloria in Luke 2:14:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

I love many Christmas songs, but my absolute favorite is "O Holy Night."

O holy night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices

O night divine

O night when Christ was born

O night divine

O night, O night divine

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in greatful chorus raise we

Let all within us praise His holy name

Even though it has been over 10 years since my father's death, in the recesses of my mind, I can still hear him singing that song! He had a deep booming voice and no matter which room you were in at the house, you could hear him singing that song!

"Oh Holy Night" is sung each year at our church's Christmas Eve service. It always brings tears to my eyes! Memories of my dad, the love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ just fills me up...tears of mourning because of missing my dad, yet joyful that I know he is with the Lord. Tears of joy about celebrating the birth of my Savior, yet tears of mourning because of what He endured for my sins at the cross.

He loves me, that much!

He loves you, that much!

Worshiping Jesus is for the dual purpose of honoring Him for Who He is and also, for just loving Him! I am reminded of a few lyrics from a worship song sung at church:

We love you Lord

And we lift our hearts

To worship You

Oh my soul, rejoice

Take joy my King

In what you hear

Let it be a sweet, sweet, sound

In Your ear.

In one chapter of the book, "Captivating," Staci writes:

"What is it that God wants from you?

He wants the same thing that you want. He wants to be loved.

Yes, yes, he wants your obedience, but only when it flows out of a heart filled with love for him. "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." (John 14:21). Following hard after Jesus is the heart's natural response when it has been captured and has fallen deeply in love with him."

Are you in love with our Savior and Lord? Do you look forward to meeting him in prayer and in his Word each day? Have you discovered a Lord so wonderful that you can't help sharing your joy with your friends?

I titled this post, "And the Soul Found Its Worth" because that is precisely what we discover when we know Jesus. Jesus delivers our souls from sin! His work is far more reaching than anyone could imagine. Christ paid the price for our sins and opened the way to peace with God. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept him. He offers us more than temporary political or physical changes - he offers us new hearts that will last for eternity!