Christmas eve EVE!!

Yes, I get excited about the few days before Christmas...the anticipation, the sounds, the scents, the wonder...it's fun.

But this morning, I had such a beautiful time with the Lord! He is constantly reminding me of how much He loves me. Christmas traditions pale in comparison!

He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.
~Exodus 2:25

It was time for a deliverer. God's people were in deep trouble because of their slavery and He knew it was time to send someone. Wow...the prophecy in that is evident. I am so blessed to be one of His people.

Then I read in Psalms:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. ~Psalm 34:18

Another prophecy! He rescues, He delivers us.....ME! Thank you Jesus, for coming to this earth and reclaiming me from my sin...for personally paying my ransom....and giving me the opportunity to have a personal relationship with the Father through You.

I moved on to the New Testament and the Lord reminded me that His gospel is for everyone....not just the "chosen people" of the Old Testament...He came for all (Isaiah 53:6) the world.

21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”
23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
~Matthew 15:21-28

One more place I read today...1 Timothy 4:16:

16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.

The Word has been confirmed.

So, yes, I am excited about the upcoming holiday...all the family fun, the gifts, the food, etc....but I am more excited to keep moving forward...to continue walking with my precious Lord....I am getting to know Him more as each day passes....a thrill that far surpasses any celebration the world can concoct!

One more verse:

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
~Psalm 34:8-10

MERRY CHRISTMAS