READ: Luke 2:1-40
DO I REALLY HAVE JESUS IN MY LIFE?
AM I REALLY CARRYING JESUS IN MY HEART?
Honestly…have you ever wondered this?
If so, be encouraged that you are not alone in those thoughts. Many people who had vital roles in the revelation of God’s work in this world, had doubts too.
Mary and Joseph are examples of this. Think of it…
This is most likely the first time since the original time the angel appeared and told Mary how she was going to carry the Messiah. Imagine how she may have been feeling and the realities they were dealing with:
– Difficult travel to Bethlehem
– No room at a hotel…crowded town
– No proper baby provisions
Maybe she might have been thinking “is all what God promised true?” But look at how God brought three different kinds of people in her life to encourage her…and others.
The Shepherds: The “Working-Class” Faithful –Luke 2:8-20
In verse 12 it says, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
This was a sign not only to the shepherds, but to Mary and Joseph. They may have been thinking… “did we miss it, why are we having so much trouble in our lives if the Christ is in our life?”
I think that is why it says that Mary “treasured all these thing in her heart”. God brought encouragement to Mary.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. -Luke 2:19
Simeon – “The righteous and devout” and “Spirit-led man” –Luke 2:22-35
Simeon confirmed to Mary and Joseph what was spoken to them months ago was true. When he said, “my eyes have seen your salvation”, they had to know again that God was truly there now in their life.
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. -Luke 2:33
Anna- The Prophet –Luke 2: 36-38
Think about how God used Anna to encourage everyone there. She was able to look at Mary and Joseph (and others) and say, “God has not forgotten you….God sees how you have longed for Him in your life…The King Jesus is here now!…Whatever you are going through now, He has overcome it.”
Our Encouragement Today
So if you are having doubts right now in you life or don’t sense His presence like you have in the past, take time to remember some people who God has brought into your life in the past to encourage your faith. The same God who worked in the past, is working now.
Once we realize this, everyday is an opportunity for us to be encouragement too. Who is coming to your place…your space this Christmas? What encouragement will you find…or give this week? Will we openly share the Good news of what God has done in the world? Are we expectant of how God might encourage us?
The same God who worked in the past, is working now.
Champion Builders 