PONDER

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Yesterday our Pastor, Pastor Mark was sharing a talk entitled, “Christmas is What You Make It.”

He used a couple little videos that perhaps you have seen.

But toward the end of his talk, Mark referenced a passage of scripture that all will find familiar.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:12 (KJV)

And he highlighted the “swaddling clothes” portion of the verse and then he proceeded to share something that he had uncovered in preparation for the day’s teaching.

Here it is…

            “Have you ever wondered about "swaddling clothes"?

Everyone knows that Jesus was born in a manger, and the 2nd chapter of the gospel of Luke says that he was wrapped in "swaddling clothes" and laid in a manger. In fact, even hospitals today use a cloth that they call a "swaddling" cloth. Unfortunately, it's a misnomer that will soon be over 2,000 years old, because "swaddling clothes" have nothing to do with a child being born!

In the Middle East, people traveling long distances were often met with many hardships and trials on their journeys. In the event of a death in travel, the body could not continue to be transported for many days. For that reason, travelers wrapped a thin, gauzelike cloth around their waist many times. If someone died on the journey, the others would use this cloth, referred to as "swaddling clothes" to wrap the corpse in before burying them.

When Jesus was born, there was no room in the Inn, and so Mary and Joseph used a nearby stable for Jesus' birth. With no other cloth to use, Jesus was wrapped in Joseph's "swaddling clothes" - the cloth normally reserved for a person's death.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords came into this world in a lowly manger and was wrapped with burial clothes - in truth, He was born to die. To die for the sins of all mankind.

When you celebrate Christ's birth this Christmas season, keep in mind that even in birth, He was preparing for death - his ultimate reason for coming to earth....

To save us from our sins.”

Mark’s sharing of this evoked quite a reaction from the congregation.  I must admit, I hadn’t heard that myself.  And while that little theory and postulation might be familiar to you, I did find it thought provoking.  Especially in the light of another familiar passage.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 (KJV)

I would encourage you to “ponder” this a little like Mary did the visit and responsibility bestowed by the angel. 

Ponder the intricacies and the complexity of GOD. 

Ponder that right from the start, even before He could speak or begin to take care of Himself, JESUS was already fulfilling His destiny and ours.

Ponder that!

I love you all.

Have a BLESSED DAY!!!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE