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December 23, 1998, Wednesday
What is the best reason for joy and hope during Christmas
that you can appreciate? Would you be more hopeful if that
joy and hope could be permanent in the world? What do you
think makes that joy, hope, and permanence possible for
us to know on a daily basis?
God sent angels declaring the good news that there is
reason to have great joy and hope--"A solution in now
provided by Someone who can take away the sins of all
the world; Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you
good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for
you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luk 2:11). This
is the Christ the prophets said would bring a permanent
righteous solution to the world's problems.
Isaiah foretold of a Savior that would provide a system
of righteousness that mankind has hoped would come---
"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And He will
be our ruler. He will be called, "Wonderful Counselor,"
"Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." His
royal power will continue to grow; His kingdom always
will be at peace. He will rule as King David's successor,
basing His power on right and justice, from now until the
end of time. The Lord God is determined to do all this"
(Isa 9:6-7). The world needs a Savior to provide a system
of righteousness and justice; that day will come soon.
Paul wrote to Titus to explain what the sacrifice that
Jesus made for us accomplished for those that believe--
"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for
mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds
which we have done in righteousness, but according to His
mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the
Holy Spirit" (Tit 3:4). The sacrificial, obedient, and humble
life of Jesus provided a sacrifice of righteousness.
Let us remember who is the God that provides all things.
God's name is Jehová Jireh. He is the God that provides
a Solution to the problems of His people. He is the God
that provides a System for His people to live. He is the
God that provided a Sacrifice for humanity. Lift your
hands to Him and Praise Him today for the fact that He
is the God that provides for our every need!
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