Monday, 12/23/19 – Pressing on…

Scriptures for an Imperfect Christmas

Are you facing an imperfect Christmas this year? Have you lost loved ones over the past 12 months? Has there been family quarreling or dysfunction during this stressful time? Have financial limitations decreased the supply under your tree or on your table? Or perhaps the sheer busyness of the season has robbed you of joy and peace?

Throughout the month of December the leadership of Lincoln Baptist Church has been focussing on Immanuel, “God With Us.” This past Sunday Elder Don Longworth shared with us words of encouragement for those whose Christmas this year may be for whatever reason less-than-ideal.

Today I thought I would simply share from the Word of God some scriptures that remind us that even now Immanuel, the Lord is with us!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Ps. 23:1-6)

“The Lord …heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” (Ps. 147:2-5)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Ps. 107:1)

And finally,

“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.” (Isa. 9:6).

Meditate on these. Turn them over in your mind and in your prayers. Even now, Immanuel – God is with you.

More tomorrow…

To hear Don Longworth’s complete message, go to the Lincoln Baptist Church website and look under ‘Sermons Online’ for the Dec. 22 message.