Christmas and Covid

Christmas is different this year

With no concerts, church, or teas

No craft shows, sleigh rides

Santa Claus parades

And no more shopping

For the things we love

And love to give

Like the first Christmas

It is cold and it is quiet

Yet good cheer is all around

Because Christmas will never be beat

For the message of hope and good will

It brings can never be one to defeat

 

Christmas is almost here

And won’t be overshadowed

By a virus brought by evil intent

For man this is no small feat

When our lives are threatened

And we must wear a mask

But we are made fighters

For a much greater cause

The cause of love to our fellow man

Love can never be locked up

No matter how dire things are

We’re locked inside our homes

But our hearts are free and we soar

With Christmas tree aglow

Fresh shortbread cookies

Fill the home with baking smells

And some gifts adorn the Christmas tree floor

 

Fresh snow has fallen

And we’ll shovel our way through

And our hearts will remain open

To whatever God has in store

 

I will remember

And I hope you will too

That Christmas is Jesus birthday

And that’s what it’s all about

In a real way

I’m so thankful this year

That all the other things

Have been stripped away

And I truly see the manger

And the Holy Babe who will take away

The sins of the world

Without anything blocking my view

In this I rejoice

For this Jesus of Nazareth

Loves us

And when we allow Him

He will cleanse us from our inherent sin

And make us new from within

 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 

 

 

Covid: A Test of God

If you believe in the sovereignty of God, then you believe that HE is in complete control of our world. There are many conspiracy theories flying around out there. Yet, I haven’t found anywhere in Scripture where these can be substantiated. If you are a born-again Bible believing Christian, I urge you to remember that we are in the last days and have been instructed by the Lord in His Word to look for His coming, NOT the signs of the times.  Focus on the Lord, not the world that is falling apart at the seams.

 As for the Covid virus, right from the beginning (back in March) after I prayed about it, I received immediate peace, and an assurance from the Lord to carry on, go out, and do not be afraid. Not that we go out very much other than for a walk or to get groceries, and when we do, we follow the right protocols.  However, we are certainly active online and in other ways. I believe that as Christians we can have a life-changing impact on all those around us in this dark hour. I believe this is a test of faith through a fire of affliction, to say the least.

 Earlier today, I received this powerful Word from the Lord, which I immediately wrote down as the thoughts came tumbling out, one after another.

 Do you think God is asking something truly great of us?

 From God’s perspective:  Let’s see what my Church will do with this severe testing, whether they murmur, complain and rebel against Me, like my Jewish offspring? Or will they make the most out of this cherished time, and do the most good they’ve ever done? Will they consider the poorest, the lonely, the abused, the ones who are shut in spiritually and mentally too, not just physically? Will they pray more, and reach out to Me more? Will they be willing to forego all the things they’ve loved, in order to re-discover an even greater love, the real thing, my agape love? Will they learn to cherish Me, and then others, more than their parties and social gatherings, more than the events they have cherished at all costs, even at a cost of a close relationship with Me first and foremost?

 Whose works will come forth as gold, and not burn up with the wood hay and stubble, the things of self that are impure and cannot pass the true test of obedience?

 What are My people made of in this critical hour? Can the world count on them to be there like some were as the World Trade Center came crashing down to ground 0? Can the world count on their faithful prayers of repentance and faith to lift this terrible scourge that has reached deep into the heart of every single human being alive today?

 Will My people be willing to be stretched above and beyond anything they have ever experienced before? Will I be able to count on My people to work with me to make them the church I long to return for without spot or wrinkle? So that I can finally take them home? Or will they choose to believe the conspiracies, live with fear, or do nothing because they didn’t get their own way?

 Rest assured, I love my Bride. I laid My life down for her. I am a Groom fiercely in love with My Bride. I promised to protect her always. Just that I want her on My side; I want her to shine brighter than she’s ever shone. I want her to be the Church courageous and triumphant for my sake, so I can show My glory and deliver her and the world, and bring many more into My kingdom.

 This Scripture comes to mind:

 1Pe 4:17  For the time has come for the judgment to begin from the house of God. And if it first begins from us, what will be the end of those disobeying the gospel of God?

1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

1Pe 4:19  Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing, as to a faithful Creator.  MKJV

 This is not the time to pay any attention to the conspiracy theories.  We need to pay attention to the Word of God more. Do not make the same mistakes that the children of Israel did, and forget about God in her hour of need. We need to spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal His truth and Himself to us in this critical hour. Faithfully pray and ask Him for His peace, then take this peace and our hope to a hurting and dying world. God bless you today as you consider this important word.