It’s Friday…His Favor Is Here

It’s Christmas! There are so many announcements that remind us of the season. The greatest news is, that Jesus is here. He is King! The King’s advent into this world may be traumatic for some – it certainly requires a response from all – but it’s the best thing that could possibly happen for the human race. And when heavenly messengers announced it, they gave Him glory and declared peace for His people. It was more than the exaggeration of praise; it was a blessing for us to accept, agree with, and live in.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rest.” (Luke 2:14)

Peace. Shalom. It’s the fullness of life we’ve been longing for. The abundance of overflowing goodness. The wholeness and healing and restoration we need, right? It’s that sense that everything in my corner of the world is okay or will be. That all is well as it should. The truth is, we were created to crave that state of being, to yearn for it constantly, and experience it in brief moments throughout each day. And, get this, the angels said it’s ours. It’s a gift for those for whom His favor rest, for those with whom He is pleased.

That’s what the coming of Jesus, Christmas, means to us who believe. Jesus didn’t come with a list of demands. He did not come with a list of grievances or judgments or more hoops to jump through. The King did not come into this world to tell us to do a better job of measuring up. He came to say this: the shalom you’ve been looking for is here, right now! 

Do you believe that? Not many people do, even among “believers” who claim to believe it. Following Jesus has become for many a burden, as if the Spirit put more on our shoulders rather than setting us free. But the good news of The King and His Kingdom was broadcasted among overworked and overloaded shepherds in the fields as an answer to their longings. And if we really understand the heart of God, we’ll receive it exactly the same way.

What do you long for? Somewhere at the root of that desire is a true, deep, God-given question, and the answer is thoroughly given in The One who came. His Favor Is Here. Your truest longings can be fulfilled. His peace is given to you, right now and always.

Have an encouraging weekend. Make it better by worshiping The Lord with those who have tasted and seen the favor of God up close and personal, and live moment by moment to please Him because they know intimately that’s where true peace is found.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)