Luke 2:14 ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

God’s glory came to earth…His transcendent and infinite greatness, the sum of His perfection took the shape of a tiny baby born in Bethlehem.  God’s peace came to earth…the gift of reconciliation with our Creator came to us in the form of the Gospel Message, the Good News of salvation.  God’s favor came to earth…His Good Will was lavished on us while we were yet far from Him, His Good Pleasure not to see any lost.   Isaiah best sums it up, “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He  will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Psalm 115:1 ” Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness.”

This verse implies… it’s not about us…and it’s not at all about our “righteous acts”.  That’s because God’s infinite mercy and kindness towards us isn’t based on our works.  It’s actually quite the opposite…for in Isaiah 64:6 it says, “…all our righteous acts are like filthy rags to God.”  And if you think about it,  we can’t even take any credit for the relationship we have with God…for without the Cross spanning that chasm between God and man, we’d be lost.  No, all honor needs to go to God, the Creator and source of everything. All glory needs to be ascribed to Him… for He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.  (Exodus 34:6)

Matthew 2:1-2 ” After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’ “

These three wise men had traveled from a long distance, relying on astrological charts and Old Testament prophecy…following this bright star in the Eastern sky.  And on arriving in Bethlehem, they found the foretold King of the Jews and offered three extravagant gifts worthy of royalty…gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  So on this special day of giving and receiving presents, we also have three gifts we can give the Christ Child.  For Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”  These three gifts you have to give are unique only to you…for they comprise who you are…your mind, body, and spirit.  Therefore, they make up the greatest gift you could ever give anyone today…especially the King of Kings.

I Corinthians 10:31 ” So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

We hope that we’re honoring God during the Church Service, or when we’re praying for someone in the hospital.  But this Scripture tells us that we need to be showing respect to God in everything we do.  For if you think about it…all aspects of our lives are ordained by His hand.  That includes the mundane and boring, and the simple day-to-day tasks we take for granted.  That’s because we never know when He’ll take a practical chore and turn it into a divinely assigned God moment.

Zechariah 9:9 ” Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. “

The Prophet Zechariah spoke of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem that Palm Sunday…right down to the details of what He’d be riding.  And when the crowds saw Jesus, they laid their clothes on the road before Him and waved palm branches, shouting “Hosanna!”   The Prophet Isaiah echoed this prophetic word in Isaiah 62:11, “The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: ‘Say to the Daughter of Zion,  See, your Savior comes!’ ”  The Word ties this all together as we look at the Hebrew word for salvation which is Yasa.  The name Jesus is derived from this root word.  The word “Hosanna” that the crowds were shouting is also directly traceable to the word Yasa.  That Palm Sunday,  Jesus may have entered Jerusalem seemingly as a meek and mild man…but who really rode in was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…our Messiah and the Savior of our soul.

Matthew 2:1-2 ” After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’ “

The wise men came searching from afar.  They had discovered that magnificent new star in the night sky and determined it was a sign…a sign of royalty.  And so they began their journey  of discovery.  So what are you searching for today?  Peace, truth, comfort, hope?  There is only one place to find what you’re looking for, and it’s in the Name of Jesus Christ…for He’s what you’re ultimately looking for.  Nothing in the world will ever  compare to Jesus and the love He has for you.  And just like the Magi, your quest can conclude by bowing down and worshipping the Messiah.

Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’ “

The verse written here was the fulfillment of prophecy first spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)   Jesus was the embodiment of light and truth, and His message still rings true today…”Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”

Psalm 145:13 ” Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations.”

David had seen earthly kingdoms rise and fall in his lifetime.  But this  Psalm of praise he wrote exalted God for His limitless Kingdom…continuing from the ancient past into the infinite future.  David was  celebrating God’s sovereignty…His reign over all things…and the eternal scope of His rule.  And we also praise You, God,  today for Your faithfulness… for kingdoms will rise and fall…but Your Heavenly Kingdom is without end.      Amen.

Revelation 4:8 ” Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come.’ “

The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah also saw this vision in  Isaiah 6:3.  He saw the Lord on His throne with all the seraphs calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.”  These magnificent creatures are continually encircling God’s throne giving glory, honor, and thanks to the Lord…And just think, someday we too will be able to join in that glorious chorus!

I Chronicles 29:11 ” Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.”

Lord, You are the King of glory.  We thank and praise You,  for You have founded this world and all that is in it. (Psalm 89:11)  Your strength and might…Your glorious beauty is everlasting and forever.  You are great, and greatly to be praised on heaven and earth…Your splendor and greatness is beyond comprehension.

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