Another Look at Jesus

Note: I’m taking a break for a few days.  I will resume these daily devotionals on January 02, 2019.  Dotse and I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with much love, peace, and joy.

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Chuckle: Sign in the window of a bank near a cemetery: "You can't take it with you when you go, but here's a chance to be near it!"

Quote: "Privilege and responsibility are two sides of the same coin." --Unknown Source

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross.Therefore, God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV).

What a beautiful word picture of who Jesus is and the example He has set for us when it comes to obedient living and humble service to God and to others. It reminds us one more time of the indescribable dimensions of His divine love for you and me.

"I marvel that whereas the ambitious dreams of myself, Caesar, and Alexander, should have vanished into thin air, a Judean peasant, Jesus, should be able to stretch His hands across the destinies of men and nations. I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded empires; but upon what do these creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded his empire upon love; and to this very day millions would die for Him." --Attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte

The following is from an unknown source. The Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate at Christmas is not just a baby in a feed trough. He is not just a Judean carpenter. He is not just a great teacher. He is not just a character in a children's story. He is far more:

-The first time He came veiled as a child. The next time, He will be unveiled, and all the world will know and acknowledge who He is.

-The first time He came, a star marked His arrival in Bethlehem. The next time, the heavens will roll up like a scroll, and the stars will fall out of the sky, and He Himself will light it.

-The first time He came, wise men and shepherds brought Him gifts. The next time, He will bring gifts and rewards for His own.

-The first time He came, there was no room for Him. The next time, the whole world will not be able to contain His glory.

-The first time He came, only a few attended His arrival. The next time everyone will see Him.

-The first time He came as a baby. Soon He will come and every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord of Lords and King of Kings. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we should marvel at these truths!

Love, Jerry & Dotse