Christmas is About Christ
Mark
The Bible teaches us that as a body of believers we should be Thankful
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
In good times an bad time we should always give thanks.
Ephesians 5:20
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
We should thank him with words that are spoken.
Hebrews 13:15
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Ben Franklin, Told this story from New England history. “That in a time of great despondency among the first settlers of New England, it was purposed at one of there public assemblies to proclaim a fast. An old farmer arose, spoke of their provoking heaven with their complaints, reviewed their mercies, showed that they had much to be thankful for, and moved that, instead of appointing a day of fasting, they should appoint a day of thanksgiving. This was accordingly done, and the custom has been continued ever since.”
In spite of troubles and trails, lets us continually thank and praise Him.
Mark
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Psalm 110:3
The old has the motivation of fear, if you don’t do good the axe will fall or if I do more and more good the reward gets better. As the Devil promised Eve you will be like God.
The day of power is the day of Christ, Christ came in the fullness of time to redeem man who all his life is subject to bondage, under the old covenant promise, do or die. In the new covenant Jesus as true man fulfilled all the demands of the law, went willingly to the cross taking our justly deserved condemnation made atonement for our sins in His blood, reconciling us to the Father. As new creatures in Christ, motivated by love we desire to obey God.
Praise be to God for the covenant of Grace!
Martin Luther’s exposition on this verse says it well.
The scriptures speak of two periods: the first of weakness, which included those who lived under the law. At that time, men did not observe the will of God freely through love but in the spirit of servile obedience. That day became to them an unbearable load and burden, impossible to enjoy. God’s will must be done without compulsion and that, in the nature of the case, was impossible for them.
The second period is the covenant of grace and help through which man is made strong, willingly observes the will of God and his commands, and sincerely loves him. Christians do this not for the sake of necessity or reward, nor do they fail through suffering or death. This is not the work of nature but of grace.
Mark
Posted on 23 Oct 2010