”Love Manifest!”

2Tim. 1:10 (GOD’s purpose and grace) has now been MANIFEST by the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 

When the Heavens broke open over the manger where Jesus lay, and the angels filled the night sky in celebration, they proclaimed, Unto YOU is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the LORD!

When I think of Christmas I think of… 

• Goodness Triumphing
• Truth Prevailing
• Hope Paying Off
• Promises Delivered

I think of every reason for despair, cynicism, and hopelessness being ransacked by Love Manifest!

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We finally know Who GOD is.  He’s not aloof or hiding in a religious riddle.  He’s MANIFEST.  A GOD who has come forth to make Himself known in the most tangible, relatable way. 

Jesus has MANIFEST the Eternal GOD…

John 1:14  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and truth. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

We have seen his glory…

And He’s not mean, angry, or temperamental.  But He’s tenderhearted and kind.   The Eternal King of Glory is a Wonderful FATHER…

John 14:8-9  Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”  Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!

We KNOW that a FATHER who loves us is holding the universe together.   We know the Creator is GOOD, not evil or apathetic.   His love isn’t mysteriously random, but strong and consistent.

Isaiah 54:10  Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

We know that Love will Triumph and evil will pass away because the Hand on the throttle of Eternity was MANIFEST in Jesus!

Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. And He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

GOD made Himself a Gift to us as the Perfect SON…

When Abraham tried to offer his only son as a sacrifice to GOD, GOD in His great Love, said, I accept your heartfelt gesture of faith, but you need a Better Son!  I will give you My Son…

Is. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

When life is cruel and disappointing REMEMBER: Jesus IS HERE!

He’s Love Manifest as The Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace, in your life…

• He’s the Way Out of every dead end.
• He fired Hopelessness and gave you the right to believe you’re loved by God.

When you don’t know how to navigate life’s storms Jesus is more than an advisor, He’s your Way-Maker.  When He sends you across the Sea of Galilee it’s not because the weather’s calm, but because the Storm-Calmer is going with you!

Titus 3:4-7  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.