2020 is special in many ways. Maybe that is why there has been so much chaos this year. The governor recently weighed in with his ideas about religion. Saying it can be done anywhere by anybody at any time. In short, we don’t need church. No doubt preparation for future changes. He is right for someone who worships at the altar of man, because such worship doesn’t matter.
But maybe it is not too late. Maybe he can still be reached. This is not said in derision, but is simply a fact. It is for those like him, who don’t know God, and a reminder for those of us who do, that this article is written at this special time.
God speaks to us in many ways. This isn’t surprising as He is the Creator of everything that has ever been created. One of those ways is through numbers. Hanukkah this year began on December 12, a double double (12/12/2020). The Bethlehem Star is present for the first time since the Middle Ages. It will be at its most visible on December 21 (12/21). This is just nine days after Hanukkah begins—three 3’s, a sign of divinity. Christmas Eve is just three days later on December 24 (12/24), and Christmas of course the following day.
Much has been revealed this past week about China’s influence and corruption within America and globally, along with globalists and corporatists (more here). But God laughs at the plans of the wicked. (Psalm 2:1-6) Their plans are futile. We only need to stand fast and place our faith in the Lord.
Hope
God alone is eternal, the Creator of every thing that has ever been created. (John 1:1-5) He cannot lie. God has said He will never leave us. In Him we have our hope.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored;
Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them,
Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you people of Israel;
I will help you,” declares the Lord, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
(Isa. 41:10-14)
Love
We can have hope because God loves us. He has told us so, and His love never changes. It is always with us.
But now, this is what the Lord says, He who is your Creator, Jacob,
And He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other people in your place and other nations in exchange for your life.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
And gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”
(Isa. 43:1-7)
Joy
God’s love for us is so great, that He came into the world to save us—after man chose to leave Him. While we were yet still in rebellion against Him, He laid down his life for us. (John 10:10-1).
The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.
You will multiply the nation,
You will increase their joy;
They will rejoice in Your presence
As with the joy of harvest,
As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.
For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.
For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle,
And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.
(Isa. 9:2-7)
Peace
In following the Lord we find peace, not just earthly peace but eternal peace in His presence. What a joyful day that will be.
Therefore, My people shall know My name; therefore on that day I am the one who is speaking, ‘Here I am.’
How delightful on the mountains
Are the feet of one who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices,
They shout joyfully together;
For they will see with their own eyes
When the Lord restores Zion.
Be cheerful, shout joyfully together,
You ruins of Jerusalem;
For the Lord has comforted His people,
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared His holy arm
In the sight of all the nations,
So that all the ends of the earth may see
The salvation of our God.
(Isa. 52:7-10)
We have seen much chaos this year, but God is moving. He has already won the battle. May He keep us safe in his ever-loving arms.
Peace and Blessings to you all, and Merry Christmas.
