Today is December 21st which is the official beginning of the Winter Solstice. This day typically brings colder weather and less sunlight. It ushers in the Winter Season.
On Sunday we were discussing the 400 years of silence from God between the time period of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Did you realize there was 400 years when God was silent? Before these years God spoke mainly through prophets, angels, signs, visions, dreams and even a rare donkey. But there was a day when He became silent. For 400 years there was nothing. The seasons continued to change but there was no Word from the Lord.
Then in Luke 1:11 and angel appeared to Zacharias. The first words from the messenger were, “Do not be afraid.” Can you imagine what Zacharias was thinking? Here was a messenger from God. I’m guessing he had been told these stories of God from his family, and I imagine he had read these stories himself since he had been chosen to perform the priestly duties of burning incense in the temple. But here in the temple, on this day, was the angel–Gabriel standing before him, giving him a Word from God. The angel told him that he and his wife would have a baby. That their son would bring joy and gladness. He would be great in the sight of the Lord and would turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.
The Silence was over. And we now know that the Lord was orchestrating the best plan ever—Christmas! The time when Jesus would be born and enter this world as a tiny baby. The beginning of His redemption plan for all of mankind.
So I have to ask you—are you experiencing winter or Christmas?
Are you living in silence from God? Or Are you living in the wonder of the miracle of Christmas?
We have been choosing to celebrate this miracle all Christmas season. We have been using the book, “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” to keep our focus on Jesus this season. (And even though we are behind—It has helped us to look to at all the many different aspects of who Jesus is to us.) We have been choosing to have joy and peace.
Then yesterday—we got our own personal message from the Lord in the form of test results. We found out yesterday that my CA 125(cancer marker) was normal. We were also told that the nodule that was found in September “has not grown any bigger”. The MRI also showed the rest of my body cancer free. (As I’m typing this—I still have a big ole goofy grin on my face.)
Yall, the Lord is very much at work and answering prayers! He is not silent! Praise the Name of Jehovah-Rapha –the God who heals!
Let me encourage you today to seek after the True Meaning of Christmas! Don’t experience Winter—experience Christmas!
Love and Hugs!
