Read: Psalm 96: 1-13, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Romans 13: 11-14
Reflect: Christmas time is a time for dressing. We dress the house. We dress the tree. We even dress the table. We bring out our shiny clothes and sparkle as we walk into our evening events. But how would Christ want us to dress our souls during this season? How should we dress for Him?
Picture this: The Almighty King robed in glory, honor, and power comes down, born in a lowly manger with the creation that he spoke into being looking on. The heavens rejoice! The sky sparkles! The earth is glad! The sea resounds! The fields are jubilant! The trees in the forest sing for joy! He comes to us, fully God, fully Man, to live in His sanctuary, broken though it has become. Naked and tiny He comes, birthed from a girl who submitted herself to His will. Lovingly she swaddles the newborn King and places him in a lowly manger.
Do you see Him? Majesty wrapped in cloths.
The night is over, the day has come. The light is here. Bow your knee and worship His mighty name. Bow your head and humble yourself before the perfect, Baby King. He is holy but swaddled in rags. He is without blemish but enters our dirt-filled world. He is here for us to hold, to behold. He has come and is reaching out to us. We have need of a rescuer, a healer, and we are helpless without His touch. Reach for Him. Reach in faith to touch even just the fringe of his robe. One only needs faith, gifted faith, as tiny as a mustard seed, to make this reach. With this faith, you will be healed, forgiven, because the Lord has taken away your punishment.
The Mighty Warrior has overcome.
He has washed us whiter than snow. He has given us a new garment, clean and white, as He clothes us in righteousness. He imparts to us a righteousness that is enough for life and godliness. And if we let Him, He will also clothe us in His “armor of light” (Romans 13: 12b). This new armor He gives imparts the strength we need to put aside dark deeds and gives the ability to turn away from the dirty rags of the flesh and turn to Christ. This walking, with our Savior, in righteousness and lighted armor, lets our lives sing for Him and proclaim His name to all the nations. Will you let Him dress you this Christmas season and throughout the year?
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Discuss:
What can you do today that will bring Jesus praise and honor?
Knowing that God is Holy and perfect, how should we act toward Him?
What offering can you bring to Jesus during this Christmas season?
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus, our perfect, holy redeemer clothed in righteousness down to Earth so that we could have peace with you. Thank you for this gift of a beautiful Savior who is worthy to save us from our sins. Please clothe us in Christ’s righteousness and help us this Christmas season to walk in such a way that our life would shine the love of God and point the nations to the Him.
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